Alappuzha: A chilling pattern of brutal murders has left the residents of Alappuzha on edge even though the district is allegedly infamous for crime. Over this year, six reported cases reveal a disturbing commonality: the victims’ bodies were buried to obscure the crimes, as per a report on Manorama. These heinous acts spared neither newborns nor the elderly creating an atmosphere of fear across the district. The most recent incident involved Vijayalakshmi, a 40-year-old woman from Karunagappally, whose body was discovered buried in Karoor near Ambalapuzha on November 19, 2024.


A Grim Timeline Of Murders


April 18, 2024

Rosamma, 60, was murdered by her brother Benny in Poomkavu. In a dispute over gold, Benny bludgeoned her with a hammer and buried her body behind her house. He later pawned her gold jewelry, confirming his motive for the crime, reported Kerala Kamudi.


July 2, 2024

A 15-year-old missing person case came to light when an anonymous letter linked two suspects, previously arrested for an explosion, to Kala’s murder. Investigators found the remains of Kala in a septic tank. Five relatives of Kala’s husband were arrested, while her husband, allegedly the mastermind, remained in Israel. Police suspect Kala was murdered due to her husband's suspicions of infidelity.


August 11, 2024

In the paddy fields of Thakazhi, a body of a newborn was discovered. Investigators arrested Dona Joji, a forensic science graduate, along with her friend Thomas Joseph and his associate Ashok. Dona, attempting to hide her pregnancy and delivery, handed the baby to Joseph, who buried the infant.


September 2, 2024

Three weeks later, another newborn was killed in Pallippuram panchayat. Asha, a mother of two, and her friend Ratheesh were arrested for smothering the baby born out of wedlock.


September 10, 2024

Subhadra, 73, was murdered by Sharmila and her second husband, Mathews, in Kalavoor. They lured her to their rented house, killed her for her gold, and buried her body. However, the accused were disappointed to find less than three sovereigns of jewelry, mostly imitation gold.


November 19, 2024

The most recent case involved Vijayalakshmi, whose body was unearthed in Karoor. Missing since early November, she was found buried in Alappuzha. Details surrounding her murder are still under investigation.