CBI Arrests Two Suspects After 18 Years in Triple Murder Case of Woman and Her Twin Daughters

Two individuals, wanted for 18 years in connection with the murder of a woman and her 17-day-old twin daughters in Anchal, Kollam district, have been apprehended by the CBI. The suspects, identified as Divil Kumar from Anchal and Rajesh from Kannur, a former army personnel, were captured in Puducherry. They were presented before a Kochi court on Saturday and are now in judicial custody, according to a prosecutor.

The tragic incident occurred on February 10, 2006, when Ranjini, aged 24 at the time, and her newborn daughters were reportedly murdered. Sources indicate that Ranjini was involved in a relationship with Divil Kumar, which led to her pregnancy. Allegedly, Kumar, with assistance from his friend Rajesh, committed the murders. Despite being identified by both Kerala Police and the CBI during earlier investigations, the duo managed to evade capture until now.

CBI Investigation and Arrest

The case was transferred to the CBI in 2008 following a request from the victims' family. The investigation revealed that after committing the crime, Divil Kumar altered his identity by adopting a new name—Vishnu. Similarly, Rajesh changed his name to Praveen Kumar and concealed his true identity by marrying in Puducherry. He also acquired properties there and settled down.

Acting on intelligence inputs and after thorough verification, a team of CBI officers tracked down the two fugitives in Puducherry and arrested them on Friday. "The CBI investigation revealed that the above murders were committed by Divil Kumar, and his friend Rajesh," stated a CBI spokesperson.

Legal Proceedings

The CBI had previously filed a chargesheet against the accused, leading to their declaration as Proclaimed Offenders by the court. "Rajesh also changed his name to Praveen Kumar, concealed his real identity and got married in Puducherry," confirmed the CBI spokesperson. The arrests mark a significant development in this long-pending case.

The apprehension of these individuals brings some closure to a case that has remained unresolved for nearly two decades. The legal proceedings will continue as authorities seek justice for Ranjini and her daughters.