Newly married couple found dead in Sasthamcotta lake in Kerala

Representative image. | Photo credit: Getty Images/iStockphoto

In what police suspect to be a case of suicide, a young newlywed couple was found dead in the Sasthamcotta lake near Ambalakkadavu area on Sunday (September 6, 2026). The deceased have been identified as Rajeev, 26, and Abhirami, 19.

Abhirami’s body was first recovered from the lake on Sunday morning. Shortly thereafter, the Sasthamcott Fire and Rescue Team during their search operations found Rajeev’s body approximately 50 meters away. Investigators suspect the two individuals jumped into the lake during the early hours of Sunday morning.

The couple married four months ago after being in a relationship, despite strong opposition from both their families. After marriage, they lived in a rented house and had no active contact with their relatives. Rajeev was employed as a cleaner in a nearby school. Police met with the couple last month to address concerns related to the family.

After the autopsy, the bodies were handed over to the relatives. The Sasthamcotta police have registered a case and are investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident.

(suicide prevention helpline: DISHA – 1056, 0471-2552056)

Published – 06 Sep 2026 20:14 IST