A 46-year-old man in Kannur, Kerala, allegedly attempted to kill his wife and mother-in-law by pouring petrol on them. All three, including the assailant, suffered severe burn injuries in the incident.
- 46-year-old C.V. Sanalkumar allegedly used petrol to set his wife and mother-in-law on fire.
- The motive is suspected to be the wife's decision to seek a divorce.
- The accused is in critical condition with 80% burns; victims are also severely injured.
In a shocking incident near Payyanur in Kannur, Kerala, a 46-year-old man allegedly attempted to commit a double murder by setting his wife and mother-in-law ablaze on Sunday night. The accused, identified as C.V. Sanalkumar from Varikkara, Peralam, reportedly poured petrol on the victims before igniting the fire, leading to catastrophic injuries for all involved.
The tragedy unfolded around 10 p.m. at the Valiyavalappil house near the Muthappan temple in Kookanam. According to the Payyanur police, Sanalkumar targeted his wife, P. Prajisha (37), and her mother, P. Padmini (56). In the ensuing chaos, the accused also suffered severe burns and collapsed at the scene. He was rushed to the Kannur Government Medical College Hospital, where he remains in the ICU with approximately 80% burns.
Why This Matters
BozokMedia analysis shows that this violent escalation is indicative of a pattern where domestic disputes over divorce trigger extreme reactions. The use of petrol as a weapon signifies a clear intent to kill, suggesting that traditional conflict resolution mechanisms have failed, replaced by impulsive and deadly aggression rooted in possessiveness.
"Such extreme acts of domestic violence often occur when an abuser feels they are losing total control over their partner's autonomy."
Prajisha and Padmini, both suffering from burns exceeding 50%, were initially treated at a local hospital in Payyanur before being shifted to a private hospital's ICU in Kannur. While the women fight for their lives, the house owner, V.V. Prabhakaran, and his grandchildren narrowly escaped the blaze, avoiding what could have been a much larger tragedy.
Historical Background
Kerala has seen a rise in reported domestic violence cases, yet the brutality of using accelerants to eliminate family members remains a stark alarm for social workers. This case underscores the urgent need for better mental health support and protection for women seeking legal separations in conservative domestic environments.
| Person | Burn Severity | Current Location |
|---|---|---|
| C.V. Sanalkumar (Accused) | ~80% | Govt Medical College ICU |
| P. Prajisha (Wife) | >50% | Private Hospital ICU |
| P. Padmini (Mother-in-law) | >50% | Private Hospital ICU |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What led to the attack?
Police suspect that the motive was the wife's decision to seek a divorce from the accused.
2. What legal action has been taken?
The Payyanur police have registered a case of attempted murder based on a complaint filed by the victims' father/husband, V.V. Prabhakaran.
