{
  "id": 1697345,
  "title": "13-year-old hires 3 friends to kill grandfather in Kerala, wanted iPhone, bike for boyfriend",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/18/13-year-old-hires-3-friends-to-kill-grandfather-in-kerala-wanted",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-08-18T11:10:34.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Hindustan Times",
    "slug": "hindustan-times",
    "url": "https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/13yearold-hires-3-friends-to-kill-grandfather-in-kerala-wanted-iphone-bike-for-boyfriend-alappuzha-101787049767195.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "A 65-year-old man, Sivankutty, was found dead in a rented house in Karuvatta, Alappuzha district of Kerala, with his limbs tied and apparently strangled. Police suspect his 13-year-old granddaughter plotted the murder, allegedly to purchase an iPhone and a bike for her boyfriend. The girl and her friends reportedly recorded the killing and later showed it to her. The initial investigation pointed towards a robbery, but police found missing valuables and gold ornaments worth six sovereigns. The girl's motive may have been her grandfather's frequent scolding regarding phone usage and late-night returns. The investigation continues, and the girl's statements are being verified.",
  "summary": "Kerala police also suspect she had a grudge against Sivankutty after he repeatedly scolded her for using her phone frequently and returning home late.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}