Thiruvananthapuram: A private TV channel programme assistant cameraman killed his lover, a homemaker, at a lodge near Thampanoor before taking his own life on Sunday. Police have made crucial findings in the case involving the deaths of C Kumar (52) of Alantarakonam, Peyad, Panangode and Asha (42), wife of Sunil Kumar of SR Bhavan, Cheruppara, Peyad. Asha worked as a contract labourer at the Pangode military camp.

The police stated that Kumar’s attack on Asha was premeditated. After checking into the lodge on Friday, Kumar purchased three knives—two small and one large—to carry out the crime. Asha was found with stab wounds on her neck, while Kumar was found hanging from the ceiling fan. The incident occurred at a tourist home near the KSRTC terminal in Thampanoor.

Kumar used one of the sharp knives to stab Asha, inflicting four deep wounds on her neck. Police revealed that he had also bought the rope used for his suicide in advance. Kumar and Asha were in frequent contact over the phone after he rented the room.

Asha arrived at the lodge on Saturday morning carrying food and a bag full of clothes. The police believe she had no intention of returning home. Their relationship began three years ago over a financial transaction. It was reported that Kumar had borrowed money from Asha multiple times, which may have led to a dispute, ultimately resulting in the tragedy. Neither Asha’s nor Kumar’s relatives or neighbours were aware of their relationship.

The tourist home’s owner, who is an employee of the TV channel, tried to contact Kumar multiple times on Saturday morning for work-related reasons but received no response. When knocking on the door yielded no reply, the owner informed the police. Around 7 pm, officers broke open the door to find Asha with stab wounds and Kumar hanging from the ceiling fan. A knife used for the stabbing was found near the bed. Signs of a struggle and injuries on Asha's body were also noted.

The bodies were shifted to the medical college hospital for autopsy. Kumar had informed the lodge owner that Asha would join him. After Asha failed to return home on Saturday evening, her husband Sunil began searching for her. He learned from her colleagues that she was on leave and filed a complaint with the Vilappilsala police at 11 pm.

Kumar, who had been separated from his wife for over four years, lived alone in Alantharakonam. His son is under the care of his wife’s parents. Asha’s husband, Sunil Kumar, a construction worker, has two children with her.