Kannur Murder: Attacker Succumbs to Injuries

A horrific incident in Kerala’s Kannur district has claimed two lives after a 40-year-old man, Jijesh, allegedly set a 39-year-old woman, Praveena, on fire at her home in Uruvachal, near Kuttiyattoor, before succumbing to his own burn injuries. The tragedy unfolded on August 20, 2025, and has left the local community in shock as police investigate the motives behind the brutal act.

Praveena, wife of Ajeesh from Karaprath House, was attacked at her rented residence around 2 p.m. on Wednesday. According to the Mayyil police, Jijesh, a native of Kuttavu near Irikkur, arrived at the house under the pretext of asking for water. While Praveena was engaged in household chores in the backyard, he allegedly poured a flammable substance, believed to be petrol, on her and set her ablaze. Neighbors, alerted by her screams, rushed to the scene and found both Praveena and Jijesh engulfed in flames. They extinguished the fire and ensured both were taken to Pariyaram Government Medical College Hospital.

Despite medical efforts, Praveena, who sustained severe burns, succumbed to her injuries on Thursday, August 21. Jijesh, who suffered burns over 80% of his body during the attack, died early Saturday, August 23, at the same hospital, as confirmed by hospital authorities. A post-mortem examination of Jijesh’s body is scheduled, after which it will be released to his relatives.

Also Read: Delhi Infant Kidnapped for Relative, Rescued in Rajasthan

Police investigations suggest that Jijesh and Praveena were schoolmates and had known each other for years, though they had not been in contact recently. Authorities suspect Jijesh arrived with the intent to murder Praveena and possibly take his own life, though the exact motive remains unclear. A post on X indicated the attack may have stemmed from a dispute over Praveena blocking Jijesh on WhatsApp, but police have not confirmed this as the definitive cause. “The investigation is ongoing to establish the precise reasons,” a Mayyil police officer stated.

At the time of the incident, Praveena’s father-in-law, mother-in-law, and sister-in-law’s children were present in the house. Her husband, Ajeesh, is currently working abroad. Following Praveena’s death, Jijesh was charged with murder under Section 302 of the Indian Penal Code, along with charges of house trespass and attempt to murder under Sections 332 and 109 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

The incident has raised concerns about violence against women in the region, with local residents expressing grief over the loss of Praveena, a mother and homemaker. The Mayyil police continue to probe the circumstances, seeking to uncover any underlying factors that led to this devastating event.

Also Read: Delhi Man’s Two-Year Cop Charade Busted with Fake IDs