Kottayam: A couple was found murdered inside their house at Thiruvathukkal in Kottayam. The deceased have been identified as Vijayakumar (64), owner of Indraprastham Auditorium and Tourist Home in Kottayam, and his wife Meera(60). The incident came to light on Tuesday morning.

Their bodies were found inside their house near Eruthikkal Temple in Thiruvathukkal. It was the domestic worker, who arrived around 8:15 AM, who first saw the bodies and informed the locals and the police.

Both bodies were found in a pool of blood. Vijayakumar's body was found in the first room of the house, while his wife Meera's body was found in the bedroom. Reports indicate that neither of the bodies had any clothes on and their faces were disfigured. Initial investigations confirmed that it was a case of murder.

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People gathered in front of the house on hearing about the murder | Photo: Abhilash Chirakkadavu / Mathrubhumi
People gathered in front of the house on hearing about the murder | Photo: Abhilash Chirakkadavu / Mathrubhumi 

Meanwhile, a machete was found behind the house. There are indications that one person has been taken into police custody in connection with the case, though the police have not officially confirmed this.

Some locals told the media that a migrant worker, who had previously worked with Vijayakumar, was recently dismissed from the job. The couple had been living alone in their house in Thiruvathukkal. Years ago, their son Gautham had also died under mysterious circumstances—his body was found on a railway track. Their daughter Gayathri’s wedding took place just five months ago. She is married to a foreigner and now lives in the US.

Police are currently examining CCTV footage from the area and collecting information from neighbors and relatives. A large police force, including senior officers, has reached the scene.