Palakkad, 19 Jan (H.S.):Palakkad was rocked by a brutal double murder late on Tuesday night after an elderly couple were hacked to death inside their residence at Thottakkara in Ottapalam. The victims have been identified as Nalakath Naseer (63) and his wife Suhara (60). Their four-year-old grandson was found with severe injuries and is currently undergoing treatment.

According to the police, the prime accused in the case is Mohammed Rafi, a native of Ponnani and the husband of the couple’s adopted daughter, Sulfiyath. He has been taken into police custody following an intense search operation carried out by the police with the help of local residents.

The horrifying incident came to light when Sulfiyath managed to escape from the house along with her young son and alerted neighbours. Acting on the information, local residents rushed to the house, where they found Naseer and Suhara lying in pools of blood, having suffered fatal machete injuries. Both were declared dead at the scene.

When the police arrived, Mohammed Rafi was initially found at the house with a deep cut on his wrist, suggesting an attempt at self-harm. However, before he could be secured, he fled the scene, prompting an immediate search. Rafi reportedly ran into a nearby mosque compound, where he was later traced and apprehended following a joint search by police personnel and local residents.

The four-year-old child, who sustained serious injuries during the attack, was first taken to the Ottapalam Taluk Hospital for emergency treatment. Given the severity of his condition, he was later shifted to a private hospital in Vaniyamkulam, where he is currently receiving advanced medical care. Doctors have described his condition as critical but stable.

The motive behind the gruesome murders remains unclear at this stage. Police officials said that only a detailed interrogation of the accused would help establish the exact circumstances and reasons that led to the crime. Mohammed Rafi, who injured himself by cutting his wrist, has also been admitted to a hospital for treatment and is under police supervision.

A case of double murder has been registered, and a detailed investigation is underway. The incident has sent shockwaves through the otherwise quiet neighbourhood, with residents expressing deep shock and grief over the violent act.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman