Ambalappuzha police rule out murder theory in couple's death

Alappuzha: The couple who died of burn injuries at the medical college hospital here on Saturday night had committed suicide, according to the police. The deceased, K.K. Venu, 57,  Keerithodu, Idukki, and his wife, Suma, 50, had said in their dying statement that they were set on fire by Suresh, the chit fund owner, when they reached his house at Ambalappuzha demanding the return of Rs 3. 65 lakh they had deposited in the chit fund.

Alappuzha DySP M.E. Shajahan said,   “we have almost concluded that their death was a case of suicide. However, a detailed investigation is on,''  he said. The police arrived at this conclusion based on the preliminary autopsy report. There were no burn injuries on  Suresh, who was subjected to  a detailed medical examination.   

“The fire  spread to the bodies of the couple from a lighter and if anyone sets the couple on fire using the lighter after pouring petrol, the hands of the accused will also suffer burns. As per the forensic team, the couple did not  try to escape from the house premises, but moved from their position only after the pain became unbearable.   Suresh's son, who was the only witness,  is absconding,'' they said.   Suresh was the owner of B and B chit funds which had failed and many depositors had filed cases against him.