The 75-year-old man who killed an elderly couple in Kochalummoodu in Thiruvananthapuram’s Madavoor by setting them ablaze also died, succumbing to his burn injuries on Tuesday, October 4. Sasidharan Nair had sustained burns while setting ablaze Prabhakara Kurup and Vimalakumari at their home on October 1. An ex-serviceman, Sasidharan was under treatment after he sustained 85% burns.
Sasidharan killed the couple over a family dispute and a long-standing revenge of 29 years. According to the police, Kurup had arranged a visa and job opportunity for Sasidharan’s son in Bahrain in 1993. But upon reaching Bahrain, the young man found out that he was cheated; contrary to his expectations, he was given a rather low-paying job. The young man had then died by suicide.
Following this, an enmity developed between the two men, prompting Sasidharan to file a police complaint against Kurup. However, the latter was acquitted by the court recently. The police believe that this might have triggered Sasidharan to commit the murders. On October 1, after a heated argument Sasidharan hit Kurup and Vimalakumari with a hammer and later set them ablaze. Kurup died on the spot and Vimalakumari died later that day at the Thiruvananthapuram Medical College while undergoing treatment.
Eyewitnesses had noticed Sasidharan outside the house on October 1, with his clothes completely burned. The neighbours, who ran to the couple’s house after hearing some noise, said that they first helped Sasidharan, who later went inside the couple’s house and came out wearing Kurup’s clothes. Kurup and Vimalakumari were inside the house lying in a pool of blood at the time. When the neighbours realised that Sasidharan was behind the murders, they got hold of him and informed the police.
If you are aware of anyone facing mental health issues or feeling suicidal, please provide help. Here are some helpline numbers of suicide-prevention organisations that can offer emotional support to individuals and families.
Tamil Nadu
State health department's suicide helpline: 104
Sneha Suicide Prevention Centre - 044-24640050 (listed as the sole suicide prevention helpline in Tamil Nadu)
Andhra Pradesh
Life Suicide Prevention: 78930 78930
Roshni: 9166202000, 9127848584
Karnataka
Sahai (24-hour): 080 65000111, 080 65000222
Kerala
Maithri: 0484 2540530
Chaithram: 0484 2361161
Both are 24-hour helpline numbers.
Telangana
State government's suicide prevention (tollfree): 104
Roshni: 040 66202000, 6620200
SEVA: 09441778290, 040 27504682 (between 9 am and 7 pm
Aasara offers support to individuals and families during an emotional crisis, for those dealing with mental health issues and suicidal ideation, and to those undergoing trauma after the suicide of a loved one.
24x7 Helpline: 9820466726
Click here for working helplines across India.