The accused in the Kadinamkulam Athira murder case, Johnson, is undergoing treatment at Kottayam Medical College Hospital. During tests conducted yesterday, traces of poisoning were detected in his system. However, his health condition is reported to be stable.
Doctors have recommended that the accused remain under treatment for at least two more days. Following this, he will be formally arrested and taken to Thiruvananthapuram. Currently, the accused is under strict police surveillance at the hospital. Yesterday, Chingavanam police handed over the accused to the investigation team from Kadinamkulam.
Johnson was apprehended by the police in Kottayam. According to the police, he had befriended Athira through Instagram and extorted money from her. The murder is believed to have been motivated by her refusal to reciprocate his advances.
Johnson Ouseph was an Instagram friend of Athira, and the two had been close for quite some time. They became acquainted through the social media platform. The police suspect that Johnson committed the murder out of resentment over Athira not agreeing to his demands.
Athira was found dead with stab wounds on her neck a few days ago. Her husband, who works as a priest at a temple, discovered her body when he returned home.
After the murder, Johnson fled the scene with Athira’s scooter. The police recovered the scooter yesterday near Chirayinkeezhu railway station. Upon inspecting the vehicle at the police station, further evidence was collected. The police also located a rented house in Perumathura where Johnson had been staying. It is believed that he rented the house with the intent of planning the murder.
