Child in treatment dies; Police recover poisoned ice cream from house

Nedumbassery: Six-year-old Aasthik, the younger son of the couple who was found dead in their house at Puliyanam, Parakkadavu panchayat near Angamaly, succumbed to his injuries on Saturday evening. Aasthik was treated for severe burns at the Ernakulam Medical Center but died around 8.30 p.m.

Aasthik’s parents, Veliyath Sanal (39) and Sumi (38), were found dead in their house on Friday midnight. Sanal was found hanging from the ceiling while Sumi was discovered charred. Her two sons Ashwath (11) and Aasthik (6) also suffered burns and were admitted to the hospital. Aasthik breathed his last as his burn injuries were severe.

Preliminary investigations indicate that the couple committed suicide. Financial stress is suspected to be the reason for this. The police found a suicide note in the couple’s car stating this. Sanal and Sumi had run a Janasevana Kendram (public service center) in Angamaly.

The incident came to light when the family’s neighbors, awakened by the loud wailing of children, saw the house in flames. They quickly broke open the door and discovered Sanal hanging in one of the rooms inside. Meanwhile, Sumi’s charred body was found lying in the next room.

When the door opened, the children ran outside crying. While Ashwath suffered minor burns on his face and hand, Aasthik suffered severe burns all over his body. Despite the best efforts of medical professionals, Aasthik could not be saved.

Further investigation revealed that Sanal and Sumi had made preparations to commit suicide. In one of the rooms, the police found remains of ice laced with poison. Officers believed the home was set on fire after the children fell asleep.

Senior police officers and a forensic team inspected the crime scene and collected evidence to reconstruct the incident. After autopsies, the bodies of Sanal and Sumi were handed over to the family and cremated.

Aasthik’s body is currently kept at the Ernakulam Medical Trust Hospital. He was a first grade student at the Ashramam School in Kalady.