Tue Dec 23 03:53:46 UTC 2025: ## Tragedy Strikes Kannur Family Following Custody Order
Kannur, India – December 23, 2025 – A family of four, including two young children, were found dead in their Ramanthali residence in Payyanur, Kannur, late Monday night. Police are investigating the incident as a possible murder-suicide triggered by a contentious family dispute centered around a recent court order regarding child custody.
The deceased have been identified as K.T. Kaladharan (38), his mother Usha (60), and his two children, aged five and two.
The grim discovery was made by Usha’s husband, Unnikrishnan, an auto-rickshaw driver, upon returning home to a locked house. After his calls went unanswered, he found a letter near the door and alerted the Payyanur police.
Preliminary investigations reveal that Kaladharan was embroiled in a protracted legal battle with his wife, Nayanthara, in family court. Just a day prior to the incident, the court reportedly ruled that the two children, who were residing with Kaladharan, be handed over to their mother. Relatives informed police that Nayanthara had contacted the family seeking to take custody of the children after the court’s decision.
Law enforcement officials believe the recent court order, coupled with the ongoing family feud, may have driven Kaladharan to take the extreme action.
An inquest was conducted by the Payyanur police, and the bodies have been transported to the Kannur Government Medical College Hospital mortuary at Pariyaram for post-mortem examination. A thorough investigation is currently underway.
This article is a reprint from The Hindu e-paper, a daily newsletter that also features sections on cinema, technology, science, health, and books.
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