Kochi: The Kalady police are examining whether the murder of 19-year-old Chithrapriya in Malayattoor, Ernakulam, was a preplanned act, contrary to the accused’s claim that he killed her in a sudden burst of anger. Police sources said that data retrieved from the mobile phones of both the victim and the accused, Alan, indicated prior threats and pointed to the possibility of deliberate intent.

According to the police, Alan had sent messages to Chithrapriya suggesting he would harm or even kill her, reportedly fuelled by his suspicion that she was involved in other friendships. 

Meanwhile, District Police Chief (Ernakulam Rural) M Hemalatha said the investigation is now focused on establishing the exact chain of events that led to the murder. She also said that the police will seek the custody of Alan for further interrogation. 

“The investigation is being carried out by Kalady SHO under the supervision of Perumbavoor ASP. The accused used a laterite rock to hit the victim's head, murdering her. A detailed investigation is needed, and the accused would be taken into custody,” she said. 

Chithrapriya, an aviation student, is believed to have distanced herself from Alan after moving to Bengaluru for her studies. However, he allegedly continued to contact her frequently, often leading to arguments over her interactions with others. She had returned home recently to attend the ‘Ayyappan Vilakku’ festival in Mundangamattam and a relative’s child’s birthday in Vadakara. She was preparing to return to Bengaluru soon. The police suspect it was during this visit that she was lured out and murdered in a secluded area.

Sources close to the victim's family said the duo had known each other since their school days and later entered into a relationship, but tensions grew over time. Following repeated issues, her family barred Alan from visiting their house, after which she left for Bengaluru.

While Alan has been arrested and remanded, the police are probing whether anyone else had a role in the crime.

Chithrapriya, daughter of Shaiju and Shini of Thuruthiparambil, Mundangamattam, went missing on Saturday. Her body was found on Tuesday afternoon, around 1.5 km from her home, in an isolated plot.