Suresh Gopi assures steps to repatriate remains of Keralam women killed in US

Thrissur, Union Minister Suresh Gopi assured on Monday that all necessary steps would be taken to repatriate the remains of two women from Kerala who were allegedly murdered in California, United States. Anjana, a resident of Mudikkode, and Ann Mathew, a resident of Thiruvananthapuram, were identified as the deceased. Anjana's relative, Vinod, informed the media that their suspect, Anila, who is a friend of the women and hails from Kottayam, is currently in US police custody.

Vinod also shared that all three women and their families resided together in the same apartment. Anjana's family received a call on Saturday, informing them of her serious accident and hospitalization, but learned of her death later. The families only knew Anila through video calls and did not have personal acquaintance with her.

Anjana's husband, Vijeesh, is devastated and struggling to accept the loss while caring for their six-year-old daughter. According to US-based information, Anila allegedly stabbed Ann in their apartment before ramming a car into Anjana. Anjana had migrated to the US in 2021 and was survived by her husband and daughter. Vinod stated that Vijeesh was still in shock and had not provided complete information.

Minister Suresh Gopi informed the media that the deaths were officially confirmed as homicides, but detailed investigative findings and motivations would be revealed only after formal reports are submitted by US authorities to the Ministry of External Affairs, Ministry of Home Affairs, and NORKA. Gopi also mentioned that funeral homes handling the repatriation process have been instructed to complete all necessary documentation to send the remains back to their home country.

However, the minister added that it was not confirmed when the remains would be handed over to the families, as authorities may retain them for further investigation. Gopi expressed anticipation of an update from the Consulate in San Francisco later in the day, as this would provide clarity on when the remains could be brought or dispatched from the US. This story was produced using an automated news agency feed without any modifications to the text.