Suresh Gopi assures steps to repatriate remains of two Keralam women allegedly murdered in US

Union Minister Suresh Gopi pledged on Monday to take all necessary measures to repatriate the remains of two women from Kerala who are alleged to have been murdered in California, United States. According to their relatives, the deceased were Anjana, hailing from Mudikkode in Thrissur, and Ann Mathew from Kesavadasapuram in Thiruvananthapuram.

Anjana's relative, Vinod, informed the media that their alleged killer, Anila from Kottayam, is currently in US police custody. Vinod explained that Anjana's family had initially been informed on Saturday that she had been involved in a serious accident and was hospitalized, but later discovered her death. The families were acquainted with Ann through video calls but did not personally know Anila.

The three women were employed in various jobs. Vinod shared that Anjana's husband, Vijeesh, is in a state of shock and is finding it difficult to cope with the loss, while also caring for their six-year-old daughter. According to information from sources in the US, Anila allegedly stabbed Ann in their apartment and subsequently rammed a car into Anjana.

Anjana had relocated to the US in 2021 and is survived by her husband and daughter. Vinod said that Vijeesh had not yet provided comprehensive details as he was still grappling with the shock of the tragedy. The Minister declared that the deaths had been officially confirmed as homicides, but the specific motives and detailed investigative findings would only become apparent after formal reports are submitted by US authorities to the Ministry of External Affairs, Ministry of Home Affairs, and NORKA.

Gopi spoke with the Consul General at the Consulate in San Francisco, who informed him that orders have been given to funeral homes handling the funeral services to complete the necessary documentation to transport the remains back to their home country. The Minister stated that it was not yet confirmed when the remains would be handed over to the relatives, as the authorities might retain them for additional investigation.

Gopi expressed anticipation of an update from the Consulate later the same day, after which they would know when the remains could be brought or dispatched from there.