Kerala, often celebrated for its literacy, social development, and cultural richness, has in recent years also found itself grappling with chilling acts of violence that have shocked its citizens. While crime rates in the state are relatively low compared to national averages, certain murder cases have left a lasting imprint on the collective psyche. These incidents, often driven by revenge, jealousy, political rivalry, or personal vendetta, paint a sobering picture of the darker corners of human emotion and societal breakdown. This article examines ten notable murder cases in Kerala that not only caught the public’s attention but also raised significant legal and social concerns.
1. The Venjaramoodu Family Massacre (2025)
Perhaps the most shocking recent case was the murder spree carried out by a young man named Affan in Venjaramoodu, Thiruvananthapuram. Over the course of a single day, Affan murdered five individuals — including his grandmother, uncle, aunt, younger brother, and girlfriend — across multiple locations. The killings were premeditated and reportedly stemmed from longstanding grievances and perceived betrayals. This case stood out not just for its brutality but also for the psychological portrait it offered: a young man driven to enact revenge on those closest to him.
2. Kozhikode Sooraj Murder Case (2025)
What started as a seemingly trivial argument over parking turned into a gruesome murder. Sooraj, a college student, was stabbed to death following a dispute involving multiple people, including a father and his two sons. The escalation of such a minor disagreement into a fatal assault shocked the public, especially because it revealed how easily mob mentality can take over rational behavior in emotionally charged situations.
3. Thamarassery Student Killing (2025)
In a case that underlined the dark side of teenage groupism and peer rivalry, 16-year-old Muhammed Shahabas was beaten to death in Thamarassery by a group of classmates. The murder was preplanned, with digital evidence revealing that the assault had been discussed in advance via social media. This incident reignited debates around juvenile crime, mental health in schools, and the influence of digital platforms in escalating conflict.
4. Periya Double Murder Case (2019)
Political violence in Kerala has a long and painful history, and the Periya double murder is one of its most haunting chapters. Youth Congress workers Kripesh and Sarathlal were brutally hacked to death in Kasaragod district, allegedly by political rivals from the ruling party. The case drew national attention, prompting a CBI investigation. In 2025, after a prolonged legal battle, ten individuals were sentenced to life imprisonment, offering a degree of closure but also stirring debates about political accountability.
5. Jolly Joseph Cyanide Killings (2019)
Perhaps the most sensational criminal case in modern Kerala history, the Koodathayi serial murders involved a seemingly ordinary housewife, Jolly Joseph, who was accused of murdering six members of her extended family over a span of 14 years using cyanide. Her motive: control over family wealth and personal freedom. The methodical and cold execution of the crimes, along with the initial failure to suspect her, challenged assumptions about trust within families and raised questions about investigative oversights.
6. Walayar Sisters Case (2017)
Two minor Dalit sisters were found hanging in their home in Palakkad under suspicious circumstances, initially reported as suicide. Further investigation revealed signs of prolonged sexual abuse and possible homicide. The initial acquittal of the accused due to lack of evidence sparked widespread protests across Kerala. The case became a rallying cry for justice reform, particularly in crimes involving children and marginalized communities.
7. Kevin Joseph Honour Killing (2018)
Kevin Joseph, a Dalit Christian youth, was abducted and murdered by the relatives of his fiancée, allegedly to protect the family’s “honor.” This case triggered massive public outcry and became a turning point in Kerala’s discourse around caste and interfaith relationships. The trial ended in multiple convictions, including that of the woman’s brother, and the court recognized the killing as an “honor killing” — a landmark in legal terms for Kerala.
8. Sanu Mohan and Daughter Vaiga’s Murder (2021)
In an eerie and tragic case, businessman Sanu Mohan allegedly murdered his 13-year-old daughter Vaiga in Kochi before fleeing the state. He was later found in Karnataka and confessed to the crime, citing financial problems and fear of social embarrassment. The murder of a child by her own father sent shockwaves through Kerala and highlighted the devastating intersection of mental illness, debt, and familial collapse.
9. Attingal Woman’s Gruesome Murder (2023)
A 22-year-old woman was found murdered in her rented house in Attingal, her body bearing signs of sexual assault and extreme physical violence. The accused, a migrant worker, was arrested within days. The case reignited debates around women’s safety, especially for those living alone, and led to calls for better policing and tenant verification systems.
10. Elanthoor Human Sacrifice Case (2022)
One of the most bizarre and terrifying cases in Kerala’s criminal history, this case involved the murder of two women by a couple and a man practicing black magic in Elanthoor, Pathanamthitta. The victims were lured through social media with job offers and then murdered as part of a supposed ritual to gain wealth. The sheer horror and ritualistic nature of the killings shocked a state often seen as rationalist and secular. It triggered widespread discussions about superstition, mental health, and social isolation.
A Larger Reflection
While Kerala continues to excel in many human development indices, these murder cases show that no society is immune to breakdowns of trust, mental instability, social inequality, or ideological fanaticism. Each of these cases has prompted legal and administrative action — from fast-tracking trials to revisiting forensic procedures and enforcing tenant and migrant worker registrations.
More broadly, these tragedies have spurred public dialogue on a range of issues: the fragility of the family unit, the psychological toll of financial distress, the toxic fallout of political rivalries, and the lingering grip of caste and gender-based violence. Education, it turns out, is not always an antidote to violence; rather, it must be accompanied by empathy, strong community networks, and vigilant law enforcement.
Conclusion
Kerala’s murder cases are not just stories of crime — they are mirrors held up to a society in transition. They force difficult conversations about the human condition and challenge us to rethink how justice, prevention, and compassion can coexist in modern India. While these stories are grim, they also underscore the need for continuous vigilance, reform, and collective healing.
10 Notorious Murder Cases in Kerala: A Reflection on Crime and Society
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