Son also succumbs to burns along with mother; youth taken into custody

KOCHI: The 18-year-old boy who sustained burns along with his mother succumbed to it at Nayarambalam in Ernakulam. He has been identified as Athul and he died at a hospital in Kochi. His mother Sindhu had died yesterday. Their family termed the deaths as mysterious.

Their family alleged that Dileep, a neighbour of Sindhu constantly harassed her and that he has a role in his death. They handed over an audio of Sindhu speaking just before she died, to the police. Sindhu is heard mentioning the name of the youth in the audio.

The police have taken Dileep into custody. His arrest will be registered in the afternoon. He will be charged with abetment to suicide. Sindhu and her son were found with burns in their house around 5 pm yesterday. Her relatives said Dileep had disturbed her after stopping her on the road. When his annoyance increased, Sindhu had lodged a complaint with the police.