Kollam, 26 May (H.S.):Two women have been arrested for allegedly setting fire to a motorcycle parked in the courtyard of a police officer’s residence in Kerala’s Kollam district, with investigators suspecting personal enmity linked to a broken engagement as the motive behind the incident.

The accused have been identified as Aarathi Raj (26), a resident of Neriyampallil near Parakkadavu in Edappana, Sooranad, and her friend Gayathri Mohanan (26), from Nellimoottil House in Vellinangattam, Kalthotti, Idukki district.

Police said the motorcycle belonged to Vivek, a native of Anchal and a Civil Police Officer attached to the Aranmula Police Station. The incident occurred on Saturday night when the bike, parked outside his residence, was set ablaze. Investigators also found that black oil had been poured on the steps of the house, indicating a deliberate attempt to create panic and damage property.

Initially, police suspected that political rivalry may have been behind the attack after a threatening letter was recovered from the scene near the burnt motorcycle. The letter reportedly contained the name of a student organisation, which investigators now believe was planted deliberately to divert the course of the investigation.

Police collected CCTV footage from nearby areas and launched a detailed probe. The investigation later focused on individuals who had arrived in an autorickshaw near the scene. A breakthrough came after officers traced a payment made to the autorickshaw driver through Google Pay.

During questioning, the autorickshaw driver helped police identify the suspects after recognising images prepared by investigators. Aarathi and Gayathri were subsequently taken into custody.

According to police, Aarathi and Vivek had previously been engaged, but the marriage was later called off due to personal reasons. Investigators suspect that resentment stemming from the cancelled engagement led to the crime.

Meanwhile, while in police custody at Anchal, Aarathi allegedly attempted suicide by consuming rat poison. She was immediately shifted to the Government Medical College Hospital at Parippally for treatment. Police said further investigation into the case is underway.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman