Thiruvananthapuram: Affan, the 23-year-old man who has confessed to the brutal murder of six people, including his mother, younger brother and girlfriend, in Venjaramoodu, was known to be an introvert. He also had minimal interaction with the locals.
The house where the murders took place was located near Perumala Junction on the Venjaramoodu-Nedumangad road. His father, Rahim, had built the house 10 years ago. Rahim, who runs a spare parts shop in the Gulf, was reportedly facing financial difficulties and had not returned home in five years. Affan had travelled abroad occasionally, both alone and with family members.
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After completing his Plus Two studies at Janatha Higher Secondary School in Thempammood, he enrolled in a college for his graduate studies, but did not complete his graduation. Neighbours stated that Affan did not speak to them and often returned home late at night. He regularly visited the mosque with his younger brother.
The crime, committed within two hours, saw him travel 34 kilometres to carry out the killings.
His victims
The deceased have been identified as Affan’s younger brother Afsan, his paternal uncle Latheef, Latheef’s wife Shahida, his 95-year-old grandmother Salma Beevi and his girlfriend Farsana. Affan’s mother Shemi, who is critically injured in the attack, is undergoing treatment at a private hospital.
Murders across three police jurisdictions
At around 7 pm, Affan walked into the Venjaramoodu police station and confessed to the murders. Initially, officers dismissed his claims, but his detailed account, including the locations and identities of the victims, prompted an immediate inspection.
Affan confessed to killing three people in Venjaramoodu Perumala, two in Chullalam and one in Pangode. The police informed the Attingal DYSP about the confession, after which the DYSP reached the police station. In the following inspection, they confirmed the deaths of five individuals, while one victim was found in critical condition.
Affan stated that he had murdered three people in Perumala, but upon inspection, only two bodies were found at the location, with one person severely injured. His grandmother Salma Beevi was the first victim, killed around 5.30 pm. It is suspected that Affan killed her first and he then travelled to S N Puram, where he killed his paternal uncle Latheef and Latheef’s wife Shahida. Afterward, he returned to his own house, where the remaining murders were committed.
Grandmother’s murder shocks Pangode
The murder of elderly Salma Beevi near the Muslim mosque in Thazhe Pangode left the small village in shock. Her daughter, who arrived home around 5.30 pm on Monday, found Salma Beevi’s body in the kitchen.
Blood clots surrounded the body, and there was a deep wound on the back of her head. Initial suspicions were that she had suffered a fatal fall. However, the case took a turn when Affan surrendered at the Venjaramoodu police station, revealing the murders.
Affan was the son of Rahim, the youngest of Salma Beevi’s eleven children. He visited her frequently, and she had a special affection for him. Whenever he came over, she would give him money. On Monday morning, he had visited her house again and allegedly asked for her jewellery for pawning. When she refused, he allegedly killed her.
Uncle and aunt found dead
Due to the house's isolation, news of Latheef and Shahida's deaths reached neighbours through the media. Latheef, Affan's paternal uncle, managed the family's affairs in his brother's absence abroad.
Latheef's body was discovered seated on the sofa in the hall, while his wife Shahida was found in the kitchen, both covered in blood. Earlier that evening, a neighbour had visited to extend a wedding invitation and found the couple in good spirits. Latheef, who had health issues, did not go out as much. Police arrived at the scene around 11 pm and sealed the premises. The postmortem will be conducted after completing the inquest proceedings on Tuesday.
Young brother's death raises questions
Friends recall Affan's deep affection for his younger brother, who was 10 years younger to him. Affan often took him along to the mosque and other places on his bike. Photos of the brothers together were frequently shared on social media. The motive behind his brother's murder remains unclear.
Girlfriend's tragic end
The devastating news of Farsana's passing away reached her family late on Monday night. Initially, they were informed of an accident involving her. However, by then, the neighbourhood had already learnt of Farsana's death through media reports. Her mother Sheeja was not immediately informed of the tragedy.
Sheeja kept asking about her daughter’s whereabouts, but no one gave her a clear answer. Around 9 pm, her desperate cries filled the house as she feared the worst. Neighbours tried to console her, but the large crowd gathered outside and the distress on their faces confirmed her fears.
Farsana was well-known in the locality and taught tuition classes for children in the neighbourhood. On Monday evening, several children were waiting for her, unaware of the tragedy that had unfolded. Affan was also seen in the area frequently, often arriving on a two-wheeler.
Published: 25 Feb 2025, 11:55 am IST
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