KOZHIKODE: A man strangled his wife and son to death before attempting suicide at Perumalpuram near Payyoli here in the wee hours of Saturday. The police identified the victims as Nasim, 8, son of Najath Ismail, and the latter’s wife, Naseema, 40.
The gruesome incident came to light when Ismail’s attempt to kill another son Nabeel and his mother Fathima failed. The loud screams of Fathima and daughter Nasiya invited the attention of neighbours who broke into the house to save the duo, police said.
Though Ismail attempted to commit suicide in a rope noose he had prepared earlier, neighbours managed to prevent him. The rope kept ready for the suicide indicates the planning behind the murders, police said. Police arrested Ismail and after submitting for primary medical examination admitted him to Medical College Hospital. Nabeel and Fathima also were admitted to MCH.
A fisherman and a native of Nandi near Vadakara, he has been living with his family at Perumalpuram near Payyoli for the last 15 years. A calm man otherwise, Ismail has been disturbed for the last few days and was showing behavioural issues, local fishermen said. Vadakara DySP Prajeesh Thottathil, who visited the spot, is heading the investigation. Police registered a case of murder.
