A man and a woman were found dead at a residence in Koovappally, Parathode in Kanjirapally, around 9.30 pm on Sunday. The man, a native of Kottayam, was found hanging on the stairs in the living room, while the woman, identified as Sherly Mathew (40), was found dead on the floor.

The incident came to light after a relative was unable to reach Sherly by phone and alerted the police. Officers who arrived at the spot found both bodies. Police suspect a case of murder-suicide, with the man allegedly killing the woman before hanging himself.

According to residents, Sherly had moved into the house around six months ago following the death of her husband. "Sherly built the house and moved into it a few months ago. She had initially said her name was Sherin, but now we know it's Sherly. She did not have much contact with anyone here. We do not know much about her except that her husband passed away and her children are abroad. The man is also not familiar to neighbours here. We have not seen him before," said Parathode panchayat president Aliyar K U. 

Police have registered an FIR under Section 194 (unnatural death), and inquest procedures are underway. Officials are also attempting to establish the identity of the man, believed to be around 30 years old.