Four year old found dead in Kazhakkoottam; suspected murder

Thiruvananthapuram: Suspicion surrounds the case of a four-year-old boy found dead in a lodge in Kazhakkoottam. The boy, Gildhar, is the son of Munni Beegam, a West Bengal native renting a room at Angel Lodge in Ambalathinkara, Kazhakkoottam. Police have taken Munni Beeg and a male companion who was with her into custody in connection with the case.

The incident, which shocked the local community, came to light around 5.30 pm on Sunday. While attempting to take the unconscious Gildhar to the hospital, Munni Beegam was reportedly restrained by her male companion. When neighbours and other lodge residents noticed the commotion and intervened, they found injuries on the child’s neck and blood oozing from his mouth. The child was immediately taken to a private hospital in Kazhakkoottam, but could not be saved.

Locals stated that the child had been playing downstairs at the lodge until 2 pm. The family had rented a room in the lodge just a week ago, and it appears that more than four people were staying there. Assistant Commissioner Chandradas said that suspicions of murder and other foul play remain, and clarity will emerge only after questioning those in custody and reviewing the post-mortem report. The body is currently kept at the Medical College mortuary.