The motive behind the brutal crime remains unclear. Manjeswaram police have launched a manhunt for the accused.
Published Jun 26, 2025 | 12:05 PM ⚊ Updated Jun 26, 2025 | 12:05 PM
Murder. (Representative image)
In a gruesome incident, a man set his mother ablaze and critically injured a relative before fleeing the scene, in Manjeswaram, Kasaragod.
The deceased has been identified as Hilda Montero (60), wife of the late Luis Montero of Vorkkadi.
Police said her son, Melvin Montero (32), poured petrol over his sleeping mother on Wednesday, 25 June night and set her on fire. Her charred body was later found dumped in a bush near their house.
On Thursday, 26 June morning, Melvin allegedly invited a relative, Lalitha (30), wife of Victor, to his house on the pretext that his mother was unwell.
On her arrival, he reportedly poured petrol over her and set her ablaze. Hearing her screams, neighbours rushed to the spot and shifted Lalitha to a private hospital in Mangaluru, where she remains in critical condition.
Melvin, a construction worker, is currently absconding. Police suspect he boarded a bus towards Mangaluru after the incident.
The motive behind the brutal crime remains unclear. Manjeswaram police have launched a manhunt for the accused.
