Businessman, wife found murdered at home in Kerala’s Kottayam

Murder of businessman and wife in Kerala home prompts police investigation, suspecting personal enmity as motive.

A businessman and his wife were found murdered in their house at Thiruvathukkal in Kottayam district of Kerala on Tuesday (April 22, 2025).

The deceased were identified as Vijaya Kumar, owner of the Indraprastham Auditorium at Thirunakkara, and his wife Meera. The incident came to light around 8:45 a.m. when their domestic help arrived and discovered the bodies.

According to the police, both victims were lying in a pool of blood and the bodies bore injuries inflicted by a sharp weapon, particularly on the face. The bodies were found without clothes and in two separate rooms. The police have recovered a billhook, allegedly used by the murderer, from the crime scene.

Officials said the woman who worked as a maid at the house was the first to spot the bodies.

The police suspect personal enmity as the motive, noting the absence of signs of robbery or forced entry. “We are looking into all angles,” said Kottayam District Police Chief Shahul Hameed.

The investigation is currently focussing on a migrant worker who was previously employed at the residence. The person was reportedly dismissed by Vijaya Kumar a few months ago due to behavioural issues, which had caused tension.

In addition to the Indraprastham Auditorium, Vijaya Kumar owned several other business establishments. The police have reportedly taken one person, a migrant worker, into custody for questioning.