Suresh Gopi assures steps to repatriate remains of two Kerala women allegedly murdered in US

Union Minister Suresh Gopi (File)

Union Minister Suresh Gopi on Monday (August 31, 2026) said that all steps would be taken to bring back the remains of two women from Kerala who were allegedly murdered in California, USA.

According to their relatives, the deceased have been identified as Anjana, a native of Mudikkode in Thrissur, and Ann Mathew, a native of Kesavadasapuram in Thiruvananthapuram.

Anjana’s relative Vinod told the media that the suspect, identified as Anila, a native of Kottayam and a friend of both women, was in US police custody.

All three women, along with their families, lived in the same apartment, he said.

Vinod said Anjana’s family in Thrissur initially received phone calls on Saturday informing them that Anjana had met with a serious accident and was hospitalized only to learn of her death later.

He said the families knew Ann through video calls but did not know Anila in person.

The three women worked at different jobs, he said.

Anjana’s husband Vijeesh remains in shock and trying to come to terms with the tragedy while taking care of their six-year-old daughter, Vinod said.

According to information received from people in the US, Anil allegedly stabbed Ann in their apartment and later rammed Anjana with a car, he said.

Anjana moved to the US in 2021 and is survived by her husband and daughter.

Vinod said that Vijeesh was yet to give full information as he was still trying to get over the shock.

Mr. Gopi told the media that the deaths had been officially confirmed as homicides, but specific motives and detailed results of the investigation would be known only after US authorities issued formal reports to the Department of Foreign Affairs, the Department of the Interior and NORKA.

“This morning at 7:25 I spoke with the Consul General at the San Francisco Consulate, which is under the jurisdiction of California. From what he informed me, the funeral homes handling the funeral services have been ordered to do all the required paperwork to send the remains to their home country,” he said.

The minister said it has not yet been confirmed when the remains will be handed over to relatives in the US, as authorities may retain them for further investigation.

“I expect an update from the consulate later today. Only then will we know when the remains can be brought or sent from there,” he said.

Published – 31 Aug 2026 10:17 IST