The Kerala Police have recorded the arrest of 23-year-old Afan, the accused in the Venjarammoodu mass murder case, after interrogating him at the hospital. Afan had consumed poison before surrendering but is now in a stable condition. As per the police, a magistrate will visit the hospital to complete further procedures.

Investigators are struggling to pinpoint the exact motive behind the shocking crime, though they are focusing on financial distress rather than drug abuse. Afan had walked into a police station on Monday, confessed to the five murders, and claimed he had taken poison. “We are probing the cause behind the murders and checking if he was under the influence of any narcotics,” a senior police officer told India Today.

Thiruvananthapuram Rural SP Sudarshan KS confirmed that Afan had cited financial trouble as a reason for the killings. “The accused stated he committed the murders due to a financial crisis. But we have to investigate if that was the only reason. We are also examining digital evidence,” he said.

Authorities revealed that Afan’s father, currently in Dammam, Saudi Arabia, has been unable to return home for seven years due to visa issues and debts. The family had visited him months ago on a short-term visa and was planning to sell property to clear their financial burdens. “Many organisations are trying to help him get back home,” SP Sudarshan said.

Police are expected to continue questioning Afan once his health improves further.