Kerala Horror: Newly-Wed Man Found Dead in a Canal After Abduction by Wife's Brother

Kottayam: In a suspected case of honour killing in Kerala, a newly-married man, allegedly kidnapped by bride's brother, has been found dead.

The body of Kevin P Joseph, a native of Kottayam, was found in a water body in Kollam district on Monday morning.

The death of the 23-year-old man has triggered widespread protests by his family members and wife who allege that the police did not take swift action on their complaint.

In the early hours on Sunday morning, a gang, allegedly led by Neenu’s brother, brutally attacked and then kidnapped Kevin.

Kevin, who was in love with the woman studying in a college in Kottayam, married her at a registrar's office in Ettumanoor recently against the wishes of her family.

Kerala Human Rights Commission said it was suspected to be a case of honour killing and ordered the state police chief to submit a report in three weeks if there was any negligence.

A case has been registered against 10 unidentified persons in connection with the incident.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said that he has directed the DGP to form a special team.

"Two teams have been deployed, one each at Kottayam and Kollam. Hopefully the culprits will be nabbed soon. The investigation will be coordinated by special team," said Vijayan.

The Chief Minister added that this should not have happened and said every complaint against police department will be dealt seriously. He said there will be strict action against the officers who fail to discharge their duties.

Heads started to roll soon after the incident with Sub Inspector M S Shibu and Grade ASI Sunnymon of the Gandhinagar police station suspended by Ernakulam Range IG Vijay Sahkare for their laxity.

Leader of Opposition in the Assembly, Ramesh Chennithala, attacked Vijayan, who is also holding the Home portfolio, over the incident.

He urged Vijayan to quit the Home portfolio in view of such incidents in the state due to "inefficient policing".

The BJP too has called for a hartal in Kottayam district tomorrow protesting the murder of the young man.