Woman beaten to death by brother, friend in Mannanthala

Thiruvananthapuram: A 33-year-old woman was beaten to death by her brother and his friend following an argument under the influence of alcohol on Saturday around 6 pm at Mannanthala.

The deceased has been identified as Shefeena, a native of Pothencode. Her brother Shamsad, 38, and his friend Vishakh, 40, were taken into custody from the residence where the incident occurred.

Police said Shefeena was the youngest of five siblings. Though she was married to a man from Bharanikavu, the couple had been living separately for some time. A few months ago, Shefeena moved into a rented flat near Mukkolakkal in Mannanthala with her children, parents, and brother.

Shamsad frequently argued with her over her marital issues and the dowry given during her marriage. On Saturday, a heated argument escalated into a violent assault, during which Shefeena was brutally beaten by both the men.

"There were visible injury marks on her body and face, indicating severe assault," a police officer said. Shefeena was declared dead at the medical college hospital, where her body is currently kept.

Mannanthala police have registered a case under Section 103(1) of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita for murder. The arrests of the accused are yet to be recorded.