Thirunelly: A woman was hacked to death in a suspected domestic violence incident in Wayanad’s Chekadi, reportedly by a man who had been staying with her. Her teenage daughter sustained serious injuries and has been hospitalised, while another daughter who had gone missing after the attack has now been found safe.

The victim has been identified as Praveena (34), who had been living in a rented house along with her daughters Anargha (14) and Abina (9), following a separation from her husband Sudheesh.

Preliminary investigations suggest that the accused, Dilish, who had been residing with Praveena, carried out the brutal attack. Anargha, who suffered cuts to her neck and ear, is undergoing treatment at the Wayanad Government Medical College Hospital.

Abina, the younger daughter, had been unaccounted for following the incident. However, authorities have since located the child and confirmed she is safe. The nine-year-old girl was found along with Dilish, the accused in the murder of her mother. Both were located near a nearby forested area. The child has been taken to the hospital for medical attention.

The motive behind the murder is still unclear. Search operations were made led by the police and local residents in the forested area of Appappara, despite heavy rainfall hampering efforts.