Dispute over tea turns fatal: 28-year-old woman hacked to death by mother-in-law

 

By Sumesh Rajan | March 16, 2026

Malappuram, Kerala, INDIA: A 28-year-old woman was allegedly hacked to death by her mother-in-law following a dispute over serving tea at their home near Nilambur in Malappuram on Monday March 16 morning.

The victim, identified as Rajila, wife of Sunil Babu and a resident of Karulayi near Nilambur, was attacked around 6.30 am at their house in Koottampara locality. Police said the accused, Shantha (around 70–72), the mother of Sunil Babu, allegedly assaulted Rajila with a sharp weapon after an argument broke out in the morning.

According to investigators, tensions had existed within the household earlier, and the immediate trigger for the violence was reportedly Rajila’s failure to serve tea when she was asked.

Rajila’s two young daughters were present in the house at the time of the attack and reportedly tried to stop their grandmother but were unable to prevent the assault.

Neighbours rushed to the house after hearing the children’s cries. Assainar, a former president of the Karulayi Grama Panchayat, said Rajila had attempted to defend herself but suffered severe injuries during the sudden attack.

“We reached the house after hearing the children screaming. Rajila was lying in a pool of blood. We informed the police and rushed her to the Nilambur Taluk Government Hospital, but doctors declared her dead,” he said.

Police from Pookkottumpadam Police Station took Shantha into custody soon after the incident. Rajila’s husband was reportedly not at home when the crime occurred.

A case has been registered against the accused under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Section 103(1) for murder, and further investigation is underway.