A shocking incident unfolded when a 23-year-old named Affan walked into a police station in a suburb of Kerala's Thiruvananthapuram on Monday, confessing to a series of brutal acts that left six people dead.
Among the victims were his mother, grandmother, girlfriend, and 13-year-old brother. However, a twist emerged as police investigations revealed that Affan's mother survived the attack and is currently in critical condition at a hospital.
Eyewitnesses remain baffled by the actions of Affan, who traveled to three homes in Venjaramoodu, leaving a trail of violence. His conflicting statements have only added to the complexity of the case. According to police, Affan claimed his actions stemmed from familial financial woes, specifically a debt of Rs 75 lakh incurred by his father, who operates a shop in Dubai.
Affan struggled alone with these financial pressures, declaring that he found no support from his relatives, though how his girlfriend fits into this narrative remains unclear.
The sequence of violence began at Affan's home, where he attacked his mother and girlfriend with a sharp object, and fatally struck his younger brother with a hammer.
This act shocked neighbors, who knew Affan as a kind-hearted and soft-spoken individual. The brutal murder of his brother was especially bewildering to those who had known the family.
Adding to the tragic tale, a local tea shop owner remarked on Affan’s nurturing relationship with his brother, expressing disbelief at the events. "He was a good boy, always caring towards his brother," she said.
Affan's rampage did not end at his home; he continued to his paternal uncle’s house, where an argument led to the murder of both his uncle and aunt. He then proceeded to his grandmother's residence, resulting in her death as well.
After these heinous acts, Affan made his way to the Venjaramoodu police station, where he surrendered. In his statement, he mentioned a familial dispute over his father's debt, claiming that the argument precipitated his drastic decision that nobody should continue living. He also confessed to stealing a necklace from his mother and expressed a desire to end his own life after the murders.
This string of violent acts by a young man described as gentle has left communities in shock and mourning, as police continue to piece together the motives and circumstances surrounding this tragic event.