Johnson Ouseph, the defendant in Athira’s murder in Kadinamkulam, has been held in judicial custody after his arrest at dawn on Tuesday.
The defendant, who was receiving treatment in the Medical College Hospital Government in Kottayam after he consumed poison before his apprehension a few days ago, was taken to the Kadinamkulam Police Station around 2.30 am
S. Manjulal, Deputy Superintendent of the Police, Attendal, who went to the media, said Johnson had come into contact with Athira on Instagram through a shared interest in publishing reels. His online interaction led to a closer relationship, with Johnson, who is divorced, allegedly leaving Athira to leave his family and move with him. He had also taken a house for rent for that purpose. However, when Atira refused to abandon his family, Johnson supposedly planned the murder.
On January 21, Johnson traveled to Ahira’s house, where he allegedly dominated her and stabbed her in her room with a knife hidden in her shirt. After the murder, Johnson stole Athira’s scooter and fled. Later, the vehicle was found abandoned at Chirayinkezhu train station.
The defendant initially traveled to Alappuzha, but when he learned that the police approached him, he fled to Chingavanam in Kottayam. He was finally caught when he arrived at a house where he had previously worked as a native nurse.
The research team has gathered vital evidence, including a store in Valiyakada in Chirayinkezhu, where Johnson supposedly bought the knife used in the crime. In addition, jeans allegedly used by the defendant on the day of the murder were recovered near the ticket counter at the Chirayinkezhu railway station.
Published – January 28, 2025 10:55 pm ist
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