Thodupuzha: Were the four members of the murdered family of Mundanmudi near Thodupuzha in Kerala's Idukki district expecting some imminent danger to them? A close look at the house, where Krishnankutty, 60, his wife Suseela, 50, daughter Arsha, 21, and son Arjun, 18, were hammered to death on July 29 night, has revealed that the family had stored several weapons, which could be used for self-protection in the event of an attack.

According to police, some of the weapons found in the house were not easily available in Kerala. Cops revealed that Krishnankutty had kept in a room at least six wooden lathis with thongs attached to it. This has raised the police's suspicion that the family was anticipating some danger. Moreover, there were iron rods, specially-made long choppers, which are available in Tamil Nadu, knives and long sickles in the house. Cops said the long sickles, heavy iron rods and the lathis with thongs were very uncommon for a normal family to store at home.

Jewellery missing

Police suspect that the motive behind the murders was either theft or revenge. Sources said, all the jewellery in the house was missing. Neighbours and relatives of the family claimed that Suseela had the habit of wearing a long gold chain and bangles. That was missing from her body but the silver anklet was intact. Arsha apparently was not fond of jewellery and she was wearing ear and nose studs but they were not of gold. The assailants did not touch that. Hardly any cash was recovered from the house.

The police got only some identity cards, including Arsha's college documents, and a few bank passbooks from the house.

Was murdered Kerala family expecting an attack?
Police inspect the house where the crime took place.

None of the cupboards and table drawers in the house were locked.

Phone numbers

Even though police found four mobile phones from the house, they could collect information from only one. According to sources, only one number was active in the past one month and they have collected data from that phone. However, the collected information was not of much use. The investigation team is now waiting for more technological support to collect information from the inactive phone numbers.

Hospitals under watch

Was murdered Kerala family expecting an attack?
Police inspect a house in Thodupuzha where four of a family were found dead

Sleuths suspect that the gang which murdered the family must have at least three members and it is very likely that they also received injuries during the attack. Assuming that the assailants must have sought medical help, police have conducted searches at several hospitals in the region. Cops in neighbouring districts have been asked to keep an eye on hospitals.

Politician turned pujari

Murdered Krishnankutty was an active member of CPM around 10 years ago. Later, he switched loyalties and joined the BJP around three years ago. However, during the past two years he was not active in any political party and was allegedly involved in witchcraft. He also used to conduct special pujas for clients.

White car

According to the family's neighbour, a white car was spotted near Krishnankutty's house on Sunday night but he had not taken note of the registration number. However, villagers claimed that several people from other districts used to visit the family. A sniffer dog squad, however, failed to provide any clue about the killers.

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