Mass murders shake Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala

By Sumesh Rajan | February 26, 2025

Thiruvananthapuram (also known as Trivandrum), the capital of the southern Indian state of Kerala, has been shaken by a horrific mass murder that unfolded across three separate locations within an eight-hour span. Authorities are actively investigating the brutal killings, allegedly carried out by 23-year-old A R Affan, which claimed the lives of five individuals, including a young boy, and left his mother critically injured.

Community in Mourning

The Perumala junction near Venjaramoodu was overwhelmed with grief as the bodies of the victims were brought for public homage on February 25. The deceased -- Affan’s paternal grandmother Salma Beevi, younger brother Ahsan, uncle Latheef, aunt Shahida, and girlfriend Farsana -- were found to have suffered fatal blunt force trauma, reportedly inflicted with a hammer.

Post-mortem examinations were conducted at the Government Medical College Hospital (MCH) in Thiruvananthapuram before the victims were laid to rest.

Affan’s family members were buried at the Thazhe Pangode Juma Masjid near Kallara, while Farsana’s funeral was held at the Kattumurakkal Juma Masjid, near Chirayinkeezhu.

Ongoing Investigation and Suspected Motive

Investigators continue to piece together the sequence of events leading to the killings, while the exact motive remains unclear. Affan allegedly first attacked his mother, Shemi, at their residence in Perumala after she refused to give him money.

He then embarked on a deadly rampage, murdering his grandmother in Pangode, his uncle and aunt at S N Puram, before returning home to kill his younger brother and girlfriend.

Although Affan has claimed financial difficulties as the reason behind his violent actions, authorities remain skeptical and are proceeding with caution. A special investigation team has been formed to probe the case, led by District Police Chief (Thiruvananthapuram Rural) Sudarsan K S, Inspector General of Police (South Zone) S Syamsundar emphasized that it is too early to draw definitive conclusions. “Preliminary findings suggest that a hammer was used to commit the murders,” he stated.

Suspect and Victim’s Conditions

Affan is currently undergoing treatment at MCH for suspected rat poison ingestion but is reported to be in stable condition. His statement was recorded by a magistrate late on February 24, and he will be taken into custody for further questioning upon his discharge.

Meanwhile, his mother, Shemi, remains in critical condition at a private hospital in Venjaramoodu. While she briefly spoke to a relative and a local official, her statement has not yet been recorded.

Notably, she remains unaware of the tragic deaths of her family members, according to sources.

Authorities Await Toxicology Reports

Speculation has arisen regarding Affan’s possible drug use at the time of the killings. However, police officials have stated that toxicology reports are still pending. They have also clarified that there is currently no evidence indicating external assistance in carrying out the murders.

Cases have been registered at the Venjaramoodu and Pangode police stations, and law enforcement continues to pursue leads in what has become one of the most disturbing crimes in recent memory for the region. As the investigation unfolds, the residents of Thiruvananthapuram remain in shock, grappling with the tragic loss and seeking answers to the devastating events that have shattered their community.