Kollam: Little progress in mass suicide case

Archana, 30, of Lalitha vilasom in Polachira, her daughters Anu, 9, and Emi, 5; Ratheesh, 28, his wife Saranya, 21, and their 2-year-old son Yadukrishna were found dead in their respective houses on November 22.

The time of death of the deceased at Ratheesh’s house was estimated to be two hours after the time of death at Archana’s house.

“The Police is investigating into the issues that evolved from the illicit relationship between Archana and Ratheesh, the neighbours. There are no hints that both had financial dealings and the inquiry is in progress,” V.S. Biju, Paravoor circle inspector, told DC.

Archana’s husband Arunkumar was abroad when the incident took place. According to reports, rumours spread that Archana had an illicit relationship with the owner of a private firm in which she worked. They parted ways after clashes on the financial dealings they had. This has allegedly made the man spread rumours about the lady.

In between, Archana developed a relationship with Ratheesh, who was her neighbour as both worked for a political party. This also provoked the private firm owner and he allegedly started threatening her. This relationship had also caused fissures in Ratheesh’s relationship with his wife Saranya. Ratheesh was a plumber by profession.

According to preliminary investigation, Archana’s children were killed by administering poison mixed in ice cream, while that of Ratheesh was by strangling.