Police on Monday arrested Dileesh (37), the key suspect in the brutal murder of 34-year-old Praveena, which occurred Sunday night in Appappara near Thirunelly.
Dileesh, a resident of Pilakkavu Thara, was found hiding near an abandoned house deep inside a plantation close to the crime scene. With help from forest department officials, police apprehended him from the terrace of a shuttered room adjacent to a run-down building.
The murder took place at Praveena’s residence around 7:30 PM on Sunday. She had reportedly been living separately from her husband and was in a relationship with Dileesh. Police suspect that a dispute between them escalated into violence.
In a disturbing twist, Praveena’s nine-year-old daughter had gone missing after the incident. She was found safe with Dileesh during his arrest. Investigators believe he hid with the child by removing roof tiles and taking refuge inside the locked, dilapidated structure. The child has since been moved to a secure location.
Praveena’s 14-year-old daughter, who was also present at the time of the attack, sustained injuries to her neck and ear. She is currently receiving treatment at Wayanad Government Medical College. Her statement has been recorded by the police.
An intensive overnight search began immediately after the murder, involving locals, fire force personnel, the forest department, a dog squad, and drone surveillance. The breakthrough came around 10:00 AM on Monday when both Dileesh and the missing child were located.
Police are continuing their investigation to gather further evidence and determine the full motive behind the crime.
