Death of Malayalis in Arunachal: Odd practices, internet searches of deceased raise more questions

They had made these wounds as part of ‘Punarjani’, so that they could get another life. 

Agencies, 3 April 2024, Itanagar/Kottayam:  Thiruvananthapuram: Grappling with numerous questions following the death of Malayalis in Arunachal Pradesh, the police gropes in the dark trying to find answers.

The mysterious circumstances in which three persons, a couple from Kottayam and a missing teacher from Thiruvananthapuram, were found dead in Arunachal Pradesh, have left police suspicious about the dark presence of black magic which led them to commit suicide.

It is said that the dead had searched for ‘life after death’ on the internet. 

"There were cut wounds on their mortal remains," said Monichan Kizhakkedam, President, Meenadom panchayat. Monichan came to know about the tragedy as  a friend had called him up from Arunachal Pradesh. 

"I have no connections with the deceased. But, I know the family of Naveen. The police said that there were cut wounds all over their bodies. It is also said that they had made these wounds as part of ‘Punarjani’, so that they could get another life. As of now, nobody has any idea about when the tragedy happened," Monichan said.

Naveen and his wife Devi were members of an organisation named ‘Punarjani’, said Iype, a neighbour of Naveen. While speaking to reporters at Kottayam Iype said that this organisation deals with some sort of black magic as it worships dark forces like satan. The couple went to Arunachal Pradesh with the support of Punarjani. Devi’s friend too had gone with them. 

"We strongly believe that this organisation had influenced the mindset of the couple," Iype said. The marriage of Naveen and Devi was held around 13 years ago, he said. 

According to Arunachal Pradesh police, they have recovered a suicide note from the room in which the couple were found dead along with their friend. "We have no debts. We don’t have any problems. We go to the place where we should be," the suicide note signed by the three, said.

While the police haven't issued an official statement, reports suggest a potential connection to black magic. Internet searches conducted by the deceased and a purported suicide note hint at a belief in the afterlife. Besides, authorities are investigating whether the relationship between the deceased women is relevant to the case.

The bodies of Naveen Thomas (35) from Meenadam, Kottayam, his wife Devi (35), and her friend Arya B Nair (20) from Vattiyurkavu, Thiruvananthapuram, were found inside a room at hotel Blue Pine in Ziro, Arunachal Pradesh.

Preliminary examination of their phone data revealed a preoccupation with topics related to life after death, spirituality and bodily changes after death.

According to the police, they were staying in room number 305. The body of Arya was found lying on the bed and the body of Devi was found lying on the floor. Naveen Thomas was found lying inside the bathroom, said a police official. Arya is a teacher at a private school in Thiruvananthapuram. 

Both Naveen and Devi were Ayurveda doctors. They were living in Thiruvananthapuram. The couple had visited Meenadam last on March 17. 

The couple got to know Arya through the organisation, it is said. They had gone from Kerala on March 26. Arya’s father lodged a complaint with the police on March 27 saying that his daughter was missing. It was during the investigation which followed this complaint that, the police came to know about the presence of the three persons in Arunachal Pradesh. According to the police, the three persons had entered the hotel on March 28.

According to relatives, Devi had recently exhibited signs of peculiar practices and a firm belief in the afterlife. The bodies were found in a state suggesting blood loss, deepening suspicions of black magic angle.

The trio had minimal contact with family or society and had been living in seclusion for some time. Despite this, they maintained a strong bond among themselves. Family members noted their withdrawal from society and engagement in unconventional practices.

Relatives informed the police that the trio had been frequently visiting websites promoting superstitions in recent months. Their seclusion and disregard for societal responsibilities are being scrutinized as possible influencers on their actions. It's speculated that such beliefs may have led to this tragedy.

Family members claim that Devi and Naveen ceased practicing as Ayurvedic doctors due to these beliefs, with Naveen isolating himself for about a year.

Connection between Devi and Arya

Devi and Arya met during their tenure at a private school and developed a close bond. Devi taught German, while Arya taught French. Both were known for their optimism and were highly respected teachers. Devi's relationship with Arya will also be probed by the police.