The Koodathil case: Crime Branch uncovers crucial evidence in the mysterious death of Jayamadhavan Nair

The Thiruvananthapuram District Crime Branch investigation into the mysterious death of Jayamadhavan Nair of the Koodathil family at Kalady, near Karamana, nine years ago, has found crucial evidence against the family’s former caretaker Raveendran Nair, the main accused in the case. The death of members of the Koodathil family over a period of 26 years since 1991 has sparked interest, given its eerie similarity to the Koodathaya serial murder case, in which a woman allegedly murdered six people in Kozhikode over a period of 14 years.

Jayamadhavan Nair was brought unconscious to the Thiruvananthapuram Government Medical College Hospital on 2 April 2017 and was subsequently confirmed dead. During the subsequent investigation, the police found contradictions in the statements regarding the time of his death and the way the body was transported to the hospital.

During the examination with the assistance of doctors and forensic experts, blood stains were found on the cot and a piece of wood in the house. It was confirmed to be human blood and crucial details were obtained by comparative testing with a blood sample from a relative of the deceased.

The histopathology report showed that the cause of death was head injury. Additionally, a report from the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Calicut Biomechanics Department confirmed that the head injury sustained by Jayamadhavan Nair was not caused by a fall.

Bloodstains of Jayamadhavan Nair were also found during a search of a car belonging to Anil, Raveendran Nair’s friend and another accused in the case. It was found that the vehicle was used to transport the body to the hospital. Investigation revealed that a person named Saju was driving the car. The investigation also looked into a complaint alleging that Raveendran Nair had prepared a forged will to appropriate the property of Jayamadhavan Nair. A forensic examination showed that the signature on the will did not belong to the deceased.

Based on these findings, the investigation team intensified the investigation of Raveendran Nair by evaluating medical reports, forensic evidence, witness statements and other investigative findings. Scientific tests were also performed, including BEOS (Brain Electrical Oscillation Signature) profiling. A medical report that head injuries and suffocation caused death was also considered at the inquest.

Investigation by the crime police found that the motive behind the murder was the intention of the accused to usurp property worth crores of rupees. The crime was also driven by enmity due to the fear that if the unmarried Jayamadhavan Nair were to marry, another legal heir would emerge for the property claimed under the forged will. The crucial findings were revealed by an investigation team comprising city Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) MI Shaji, Sub-Inspector Bipin Prakash, Assistant Sub-Inspector Jayakumar and Senior Civilian Prathapana.

Published – 13 Oct 2026 22:17 IST