Kollam: ADGP MR Ajith Kumar has disclosed that the accused meticulously planned the crime over the course of a year. He said that police’s thorough investigation, devoid of loopholes, played a crucial role in apprehending the suspects. Police’ primary focus was on locating the missing child. The ADGP stated that on the very first day of the investigation, a vital clue led them to believe that the accused resided in Kollam and was familiar with the area. The subsequent investigation was built upon this lead, as revealed by ADGP during a media briefing.
“Information provided by the cyber police and the public significantly aided the investigation. The realization that a meticulous investigation was essential became apparent, leading to the arrest of Padmakumar, his wife Anithakumari, and their daughter Anupama on the fourth day of the inquiry,” according to ADGP.
“Padmakumar, a computer science graduate, had worked as a cable TV service operator for several years and was well-known in the community. Post-corona health issues, coupled with severe financial crises, had resulted in mounting debts. Over the past year, Padmakumar contemplated ways to settle his debts, leading him to consider the crime,” revealed ADGP. The officer stated that Padmakumar was driven to commit the crime upon perceiving others around him engaging in profitable illicit activities.
“The first fake number plate for the vehicle was crafted a year ago, with a second one made more recently. The initial plan to commit the crime was formulated last year but was abandoned. It was later re-planned over the past two months. The accused, along with his family, constantly travelled in a car, actively seeking vulnerable children to abduct,” he said. ADGP highlighted that all three suspects were specifically looking for a child who would be easy to manage.
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