Two Kerala women killed in California, minister Gopi steps in to bring home bodies

The Union Minister for India, Suresh Gopi, announced on Monday that efforts are being made to repatriate the bodies of two Kerala women who were killed in separate incidents in California. Two women, Anjana Hari, 35, from Mannuthy in Thrissur, and Ann Mary Mathew, 40, from Kesavadasapuram in Thiruvananthapuram, were killed on the same day, August 28, in Milpitas and San Jose, respectively.

Anjana was struck by an SUV in the parking lot of an apartment complex, while Ann Mary was found stabbed to death in a residence. A 32-year-old woman from Milpitas has been arrested in connection with Anjana's death, while San Jose police suspect a woman known to Ann Mary in connection with her murder. Indian Consul General in San Francisco is assisting with arrangements to bring the bodies back to Kerala, but it is unclear when this will happen as the bodies may be retained for investigative and legal procedures.

The women were reportedly friends, and their families are waiting for further updates from US investigators.