What Led a Retired Coast Guard Officer to Commit Matricide?
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Key Takeaways
Thiruvananthapuram, Oct 30 (NationPress) In a shocking episode of violence, a former Coast Guard officer has been accused of taking the life of his 76-year-old mother in their Kalliyoor residence late Wednesday night following a violent dispute fueled by alcohol.
The deceased, Vijayakumari, was discovered with severe stab wounds throughout her body at their home, Lakshmi Nivas, located in Pakaloor.
Her son, Ajayakumar, known for his prolonged struggle with alcoholism, was apprehended by the Nemom Police after this horrifying event.
Police reports indicate that the household consisted solely of the mother and son.
At approximately 11 p.m., Ajayakumar, having consumed a bottle of liquor, sought another, which incited a fierce argument with his elderly mother who attempted to prevent him from drinking more.
In a fit of rage, he allegedly seized a kitchen knife and attacked her while she was eating an apple.
Vijayakumari attempted to flee the house for safety, but Ajayakumar pursued her into the courtyard near the well, stabbing her multiple times.
He reportedly slashed her throat and severed the tendons in her limbs before trying to douse her body with liquor and set it on fire.
Neighbours, alerted by the cries of the elderly woman, hurried to the scene and contacted the police.
When they intervened, the suspect threw a liquor bottle at them before being subdued.
Subsequently, the police retrieved CCTV footage that captured portions of the incident.
Investigation revealed that Ajayakumar had undergone several treatments at de-addiction centres and was living with his mother due to strained ties with other family members.
As a retired Coast Guard officer, he had easy access to alcohol through military canteens, leading to a stockpile of liquor at home.
Authorities believe the immediate trigger for the violence was his mother's warning against opening a second bottle after the first.
Vijayakumari, who previously worked at the Commissioner’s Office, leaves behind two other children.
The Nemom Police have initiated a murder case and have taken Ajayakumar into custody.