Alappuzha, 19 August (H.S.):Police investigating the murder of elderly Sivankutty Chettiar at Karuvatta in Alappuzha district have said the crime was planned in advance by four minors, including a 13-year-old girl.

Investigators are examining what prompted the girl to harbour such intense resentment against Chettiar. She had reportedly told her boyfriend earlier that the elderly man had behaved inappropriately towards her.

During questioning, the girl broke down when officers asked about her family circumstances. She reportedly told investigators that she had never experienced parental affection. Her parents had been estranged since her childhood and subsequently obtained a legal separation.

The girl’s mother works abroad. According to her statement to the police, she did not receive adequate care or attention from her mother even during the latter’s visits to Kerala.

Police said the three other minors allegedly involved in the killing had also grown up with few restrictions at home and displayed rebellious tendencies. Investigators are examining whether their personal circumstances and lack of supervision contributed to their alleged involvement in the crime.

The three minors accused of directly participating in the killing have been produced before the Juvenile Justice Board and transferred to an observation home at Mayithara. The girl is expected to be produced before the board on Wednesday.

Police are also considering seeking the custody of all four accused for further questioning. All of them are below 18 years of age.

Sources said the minors initially remained composed while responding to investigators. However, they reportedly became unsettled when confronted with evidence collected during the investigation.

Police are examining whether legal provisions permitting minors accused of heinous offences to be tried as adults can be invoked against the accused other than the 13-year-old girl. Any such decision will be subject to an assessment and order by the Juvenile Justice Board in accordance with the law.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman