Malappuram,16 March (H.S.): A 30-year-old woman was brutally hacked to death by her mother-in-law following an argument reportedly triggered by a delay in serving tea at their house in Karulai near Nilambur in Kerala’s Malappuram district on Monday morning.

The victim has been identified as Rajitha, a native of Kootampara. According to police sources, the shocking incident took place inside the family home, where Rajitha was attacked in front of her children.

Preliminary investigations suggest that the accused, Shantha, Rajitha’s mother-in-law, had repeatedly asked her to prepare tea in the morning. When Rajitha reportedly delayed serving it, a heated argument broke out between the two. The altercation quickly escalated into violence.

In a fit of rage, Shantha allegedly picked up a 'vaakkathi,' a sharp billhook-type weapon commonly used for cutting firewood and vegetation, and repeatedly attacked Rajitha. The victim sustained severe injuries during the assault and collapsed inside the house. She died on the spot before any medical help could reach her, police said.

Neighbours alerted the authorities after learning about the incident. Officers from Pookkottumpadam Police Station rushed to the scene and took Shantha into custody. The weapon believed to have been used in the attack has also been recovered from the house.

Police officials said the accused is currently being interrogated, and a detailed investigation is underway to establish the exact sequence of events leading to the murder. Rajitha’s body has been sent for post-mortem examination.

The gruesome killing has sent shockwaves through the Karulai locality, particularly because the attack took place in front of the victim’s children. Police are also speaking to family members and neighbours as part of the investigation.

A case of murder has been registered, and further legal proceedings will follow after the completion of the preliminary inquiry.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman