The death of a family, helped along by a ‘murder’: 9 years later, Kerala Police say have a case

The Koodathil family, once prominent landowners in and around Thiruvananthapuram district, experienced seven deaths over 26 years, all ruled as natural until the 2017 death of Jayamadavan Nair, the last surviving family member. Raveendran Nair, a helper to the family, was arrested for allegedly killing Jayamadavan, fearing he would have an heir.

Raveendran had forged Jayamadavan's will, leading to his arrest and charges of unnatural death. With no male heirs in the family, Raveendran transferred the family property to himself using forged documents and court petitions. The police investigation uncovered a murder case against Raveendran, with forensic evidence revealing a forged will and blood stains in a car he used to take Jayamadavan to the hospital.

Raveendran's denial of a neuro-psychological test and his refusal to allow the will's forensic examination were significant breakthroughs for the police. Raveendran's friend, Anil Kumar, was implicated in the case, though he had already fled abroad.