Man arrested on charge of murdering elderly neighbour

The Kodanad police arrested a 24-year-old man on the charge of murdering an elderly woman, his neighbour.

The accused, identified as Adwaith Shibu of Cheranalloor, was taken into custody by a special investigation squad from Bommanahalli near Bengaluru. The victim, Annamma, 84, of Thottuva, was found dead on a plot near the Thottuva temple around 8.30 p.m. on July 29. Her gold ornaments were missing from the scene.

District Police Chief (Ernakulam Rural) M. Hemalatha had constituted a special investigation squad to probe the case.

According to the police, Adwaith confessed to the crime, claiming he acted out of vengeance after the victim scolded his mother and also due to financial difficulties. He allegedly attacked Annamma from behind by hurling a coconut at her. When she cried out for help, he is said to have smothered her and stolen her gold ornaments. He then returned home briefly before fleeing to Ernakulam and subsequently to Bengaluru the next day.