A 62-year-old man was beaten to death and his brother sustained multiple stab injuries during a domestic altercation at Amboori in Thiruvananthapuram late on Wednesday night. The deceased was identified as Thomas Abraham of Kalloor House, Thudiyankonam.
His son, Shanu Thomas, aged 31, has been taken into custody by Vellarada police in connection with the incident. Abraham's brother Varghese, 50, who was injured, is undergoing treatment at a hospital.
The incident occurred around 11pm during celebrations marking Shanu's second wedding anniversary. According to police, a late-night gathering had been organised at the house, and Shanu was allegedly under the influence of alcohol when the violence erupted. An argument reportedly broke out between Shanu and his wife following the celebrations. Abraham and Varghese intervened to defuse the situation, but their intervention is believed to have further provoked Shanu.
Police said Shanu allegedly grabbed a knife from the kitchen and attacked Varghese, stabbing him multiple times in the arm and abdomen. Abraham then attempted to restrain his son. During the ensuing scuffle, Shanu allegedly struck his father on the head with a plastic chair, causing him to collapse on the spot.
Both Abraham and Varghese were rushed to a nearby private hospital by locals, but Abraham succumbed to his injuries. Police said Varghese sustained around 16 stab wounds and is currently undergoing treatment at a private hospital, where his condition remains serious. Police said preliminary findings indicate that Abraham died of a severe head injury, though the exact cause will be confirmed after a postmortem examination.
The motive behind the attack is yet to be ascertained. The body has been shifted to Government Medical College, Karakonam, for autopsy. Abraham's funeral is expected to be held on Saturday. Vellarada police have registered a case, and further investigation is under way.
