Thiruvananthapuram: Athira, a 30-year-old, wife of a temple priest, was found murdered inside her house in Venjaramoodu on Tuesday.

Police reported that the attacker inflicted a deep wound on her neck, severing her jugular vein. The incident is believed to have occurred after her husband left for the temple around 5 am. Police were alerted to the crime at approximately 11:30 am, reported PTI.

Officials suspect a young man from Ernakulam, whom Athira had reportedly befriended through social media, could be behind the attack. The man is alleged to have visited her home that morning and fled the scene on her scooter.

The house, located in Kadinamkulam, lacked CCTV surveillance, complicating the search for the suspect. Efforts are underway to trace him. Athira leaves behind an eight-year-old son.