Thiruvananthapuram, India: The recent mass killings in Venjaramoodu have shocked the community, with the lone accused, Afan (23), admitting to police that he murdered his girlfriend, Farsana, out of revenge.
The tragic events unfolded after Afan borrowed money using Farsana’s gold chain as collateral during a financial crisis. When Farsana’s parents discovered the missing chain, they confronted her about it. In response, Farsana demanded that Afan settle the gold loan and return her chain promptly. Feeling cornered, Afan mortgaged his father’s car to retrieve the chain from a private financial institution in Attingal.
In his confession to authorities, Afan revealed that he resented Farsana for pressuring him during his financial woes. Fueled by a desire for vengeance, Afan concocted a plan to lure Farsana to his home under false pretenses. He convinced her to visit by claiming that his mother, who he falsely described as being critically ill from cancer, wanted to see her.
Tragically, on February 25, Afan carried out his revenge by murdering Farsana, his younger brother Afsan (14), his grandmother Salma Beevi (88), his paternal uncle Abdul Latheef (69), and Abdul Latheef’s wife, Shajida (59). His mother, Shemi, survived the attack and was hospitalized in critical condition. Afan himself attempted suicide after the crime by consuming rat poison.
During the investigation, Afan disclosed that his initial target was his mother, whom he blamed for significant debts. After assaulting her, he locked her in a room and hid the key. Upon his return from the other murders, he found his mother still alive and attacked her again. Police found crucial evidence, including the hidden key, during a search of Afan’s residence in Perumala.
Afan, now in police custody, has been taken to the crime scenes for evidence collection. This harrowing series of events has left the community reeling, highlighting the devastating consequences of unchecked anger and violence. The authorities continue to investigate and piece together the tragic puzzle of the Venjaramoodu killings.