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The 23-year-old youth who allegedly killed four of his family members, a friend and seriously injured his mother, has been admitted at the Thiruvananthapuram Medical College Hospital after a suicide attempt on Sunday, May 25. According to reports, Afan, the accused in the case, tried to die by suicide at the Poojapura Central Jail where he is lodged currently. He is currently in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) on ventilator support.
On February 24, Afan allegedly killed his 13-year-old brother Ahsan, his friend Farsana, his paternal grandmother Salma Beevi, his paternal uncle Latheef, and Latheef’s wife Shahida, and grievously injured his mother Shemi. However, when the police reached the house, they found that his mother was alive. After the alleged attack, he consumed poison and surrendered to the police.
The murders had taken place across three locations in Thiruvananthapuram include, Venjaramoodu, SN Puram and Pangode. On March 11, the police conducted an evidence collection with Afnan in different locations. Following his arrest, he was under judicial custody at the Poojappura Central Jail.
According to reports, the Pangode police on Friday, May 23 has filed a chargesheet before the Nedumangad Judicial First Class Magistrate Court.
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.