Four minors arrested in Kerala grandfather murder case

Four minors, including a 13-year-old girl, have been taken into police custody in connection with the murder of her grandfather in Karuvatta, Alappuzha district, Kerala. The victim, Sivankutty Chettiyar, a man in his mid-sixties, was found dead in his rented home on August 17 after the house had been locked for two days. Police allege the girl orchestrated the killing, recruiting three teenage accomplices who carried out the attack on the night of August 16.

According to investigators, the plot began when the girl shared grievances about her grandfather scolding her for staying out late and excessive phone use. She also told her boyfriend that her grandfather had touched her inappropriately, a claim police are investigating. Taking advantage of the fact that the victim was alone-his wife was at a hospital where their daughter was giving birth-the girl allegedly planned the murder, motivated by both revenge and a desire to steal gold and cash. Police said the stolen money was intended to buy an iPhone for the girl and motorcycles for the others.

The three teenage suspects from Kollam traveled to Alappuzha by train on August 16. Guided by the girl via video call, they entered the...