Ambalapuzha: The police have arrested the man accused in the murder of a 62-year-old woman from Ottapana, Thottappally, who was living alone. The accused has been identified as Abubacker (68) of Puthan House, Ambanakulangara, Mannancherry. Police revealed that the crime occurred during an attempted sexual assault.

According to officials, Abubacker was employed at the Thottappally Muslim Jamath mosque, near the victim’s residence, for the past seven years. The police said he had maintained a relationship with the victim. On the night of the 16th, he broke into her house through the kitchen. The woman, who was already suffering from severe breathlessness, was killed during the assault.

After the crime, the accused covered the body with a bedsheet, sprinkled chilli powder over it and across the floor to distract investigators, disconnected the power supply and fled with the victim’s mobile phone. Police believe the murder took place between midnight and 1 AM on August 16.

When the woman was not seen outside her house on August 17, neighbours launched a search and eventually found her lying dead. Abubacker was also among those who stood in the forefront, explaining the situation to locals, police and the media personnel who rushed to the spot.

CCTV footage later confirmed that he had visited the victim’s house on the previous night. His mobile phone records further strengthened suspicion. Summoned thrice for questioning, Abubacker eventually broke down when confronted with contradictions in his statements and mounting evidence, leading to a confession.

Along with murder, charges of  sexual assault have also been invoked against him. He was remanded after being produced in court, while police are set to seek his custody for further interrogation and evidence collection. The post-mortem report and examination of internal organs are awaited.

Swift probe leads to quick arrest
The arrest of the accused within five days has highlighted the efficiency of the police investigation. A 30-member team led by Ambalapuzha DySP K N Rajesh and Inspector M Pratheeshkumar worked relentlessly from Sunday to crack the case.

As the victim’s ornaments were found intact, theft was ruled out as the motive early on. Nearly 60 people were questioned in connection with the murder, with Abubacker himself being interrogated thrice.

Abubacker, a former headload worker in Alappuzha town 17 years ago, had since moved across different parts of the district before settling in Thottappally seven years ago. He had remained active in the locality even after committing the crime.

The accused showed no signs of nervousness during evidence collection at the crime scene, nor when taken to the station and court.