The decomposed body of 48-year-old Vijayalakshmi, who had been missing since November 6 from Karunagappally in Kollam district, was discovered on Tuesday buried in a vacant plot near Karoor in Ambalapuzha, Alappuzha district. Her 50-year-old partner, Jayachandran, has been arrested and charged with her murder.
According to police, Vijayalakshmi, who was separated from her husband, had gone to Jayachandran’s home on the day of her disappearance. The two reportedly argued over her relationship with another man, and the dispute turned violent. Jayachandran allegedly struck Vijayalakshmi on the head multiple times with an iron rod, killing her. He then buried her body in a pit next to his house.
Police began to suspect Jayachandran’s involvement after finding Vijayalakshmi’s cellphone on a bus traveling to Kannur. The accused had allegedly dropped the phone to mislead investigators. However, when police examined the phone, they found messages between the two, which led them to Jayachandran. He later confessed to the crime.
Neighbors described Jayachandran as a quiet man but mentioned that they had noticed him acting suspiciously near the burial site. His wife, Suni, confirmed that she knew about the affair between her husband and Vijayalakshmi and their financial dealings at the Azheekal harbor. Vijayalakshmi’s sister, Geetha, said the couple had frequent arguments, which could have led to the murder.
The body has been sent for a post-mortem examination, and the case will likely be transferred to Ambalapuzha police for further investigation.
