Kerala teen wanted iPhone for herself, bike for boyfriend. She planned grandfather’s murder with 3 friends

In the murder of a 65-year-old man in Kerala's Alappuzha, police uncovered that a minor granddaughter conspired with three friends to commit the brutal killing for financial gain. The three teenage members of the gang recorded footage of the crime and shared it with the girl, who was residing elsewhere at the time. The gang burglarized the victim's rented residence, where he had been alone for several days, and stole six sovereigns of gold ornaments.

His wife was hospitalized due to her daughter's planned delivery. Motivated by her desire to purchase an iPhone for herself and a bike for her boyfriend, the girl hatched the plan once she learned that the victim was unaccompanied at home. She is currently in custody while authorities verify her statements.

Upon discovering the victim's body with his hands and legs bound, neighbors alerted the police after noticing he was unresponsive. The house was thoroughly searched and found to be devoid of the stolen gold. Upon questioning the girl further and examining her mobile phone, investigators learned the gang had shared the murder visuals with her.

The arrested teenagers are from Kollam and arrived in Alappuzha by train on Saturday night, entering the house through a rear entrance. In a desperate attempt to cover their tracks, they allegedly scattered chilli powder throughout the premises.

The police confirmed that murder charges would be brought against the four arrested individuals, but the case will be handled under relevant provisions of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act.