The SIT has been formed to probe the death of a family of four in Kottayam

A Special Investigation Team (SIT) comprising police officers from Ayarkkunnam police station has been formed to investigate the suspected suicide of four members of a family at Kooroppada near Kottayam.

The deceased were identified as Thomas Abraham (Joby), 50, his wife Josna Thomas, their 17-year-old daughter Maria Theresa Thomas and 12-year-old son Allen Thomas. The family was treated at the Government Medical College Hospital in Kottayam after allegedly consuming poison, but all four succumbed in the last few days. Josna and Marie Terezia died on Saturday, Thomas Abraham on Sunday and Allen on Tuesday evening.

Dying Declaration

The funeral is scheduled to take place on Thursday at the Marth Mariam Church in Cheppumpara. According to police, the death declarations of the three family members revealed inconsistencies regarding the circumstances leading to the tragedy and how the poison was ingested. Although investigators attempted to record Allen’s statement, doctors did not allow it due to his critical condition.

Preliminary investigations indicate that financial disputes connected with the institution where Josna was employed may have driven the family to the extreme step. A suicide note believed to have been left by the family also points in the same direction. Investigators are also looking into allegations that the couple borrowed money from several people through a chit fund arrangement.

As part of the investigation, police will examine the family’s bank account records to trace financial transactions and verify the allegations. Detailed call records of family members will also be examined as investigators try to piece together the events that led to the death.

Suicide Prevention Helpline: Disha – 1056, 0471-2552056.

Published – 22 Jul 2026 16:05 IST