The case took multiple turns with conflicting statements. Devendu was initially reported missing, allegedly in Harikumar’s room, but neighbours said she was with her parents. Suspicion grew after a fire and false reports of ₹30 lakh missing
Published Jan 30, 2025 | 4:31 PM ⚊ Updated Jan 30, 2025 | 8:45 PM
The tragic death of two-year-old Devendu in Balaramapuram, Thiruvananthapuram
The tragic death of two-year-old Devendu in Balaramapuram, Thiruvananthapuram, has taken a shocking turn with the confession of her maternal uncle, Harikumar.
While he claimed sole responsibility for the crime, investigators remain unconvinced, suspecting he might be protecting someone else.
As suspicions grow, the police are examining all possible angles, including the involvement of the child’s mother, Shreethu.
From the beginning, Harikumar displayed an uncooperative attitude, repeatedly challenging investigators to uncover the truth themselves. The case became more perplexing with reports of the family’s alleged involvement in occult practices and Harikumar’s suspected mental instability.
A breakthrough came when the child’s grandmother provided crucial information leading to Harikumar’s implication.
Meanwhile, forensic findings did not indicate any visible injuries or external force used on Devendu, leaving the exact cause of death dependent on the postmortem report.
Adding to the mystery, the family was in severe financial distress, but the police dismissed speculations of a mass suicide attempt.
The case saw multiple twists with contradictory statements from family members. Devendu was reported missing in the early hours, with initial claims placing her in Harikumar’s room.
However, neighbours contradicted this, saying she was with her parents. Further suspicions arose when a fire broke out in Harikumar’s room, with a strong kerosene smell detected.
He failed to explain the charred bed, and the family falsely reported a missing sum of ₹30 lakh, adding to the case’s complexity.
Authorities intensified their probe after finding tangled ropes in the house. The discovery of Devendu’s body inside the well, secured with a protective railing, ruled out an accidental fall.
The police are preparing to name the child’s mother, Shreethu, as an accused in the case. Investigators found crucial evidence in her phone chats with her brother, Harikumar.
The autopsy confirmed that the child died by drowning, with no signs of abuse or injury. According to the police, the child was thrown alive into the well by the uncle.
(Edited by Ananya Rao)
