Nedumangad police bring Ashkar, to his house in Karikkuzhi for evidence collection, in Thiruvananthapuram on Sunday.
| Photo Credit: ANI
The Thiruvananthapuram Rural police have widened their investigation into Nedumangad native Ashkar and his partner Akhila, who were arrested for the alleged torture and murder of her one-and-a-half-year-old son, Arshid. In the aftermath of the toddler’s death, fresh allegations and previously reported incidents linked to the duo’s personal lives have come under renewed scrutiny.The couple were remanded to judicial custody on Sunday, and the police will seek their custody for further interrogation and evidence collection. The police are examining whether the accused attempted to destroy or conceal evidence after the child’s death.The investigation team are probing whether Ashkar may have had any role in the suspicious death of a young woman from Chirayinkeezhu, who had reportedly lived with him for a certain period. The woman had allegedly been promised marriage by Ashkar before she was found dead under suspicious circumstances, according to information being verified by the police.The probe has further expanded to include allegations involving his first wife, Amina, who hails from Palode. She had been purportedly subjected to severe physical abuse that left her critically injured and bedridden at the Thiruvananthapuram Government Medical College Hospital. The police have also decided to revisit the suicide of Akhila’s husband, Akhil, who died a few months after their marriage. His family members had raised allegations against Akhila in the issue.The Nedumangad police, investigating Arshid’s suspected murder, maintain that the child had been subjected to repeated physical abuse. Besides, Akhila is suspected to have witnessed several incidents in which Ashkar allegedly assaulted the toddler but did not intervene. Investigators also plan to question Ashkar’s mother and sister over allegations that they may have helped conceal evidence at the family’s rented house in Panavoor. However, no charges have been filed against them so far. Published - June 01, 2026 05:00 pm IST
