Police record statements of relatives

ALAPPUZHA: The bodies of the couple from Idukki, who were allegedly set ablaze by a chit fund company owner, were handed over to their kin after completing legal and medical formalities on Sunday afternoon. It was on Saturday night that K K Venu (57) and his wife Suma (50) succumbed to burns at Alappuzha Medical College Hospital.
According to the couple’s death statements, they were set on fire by owner of B & B Chit Funds Suresh Krishnalayam of Amabalappuzha when they went to his house demanding back their money invested in the chit comapany.
Ambalappuzha police, who have been probing the incident, have not ascertained whether the couple committed suicide or the chit fund owner inflicted the burn injuries, till Sunday evening.
Meanwhile, district police chief Mohammed Rafique, along with forensic officials examined the couple’s car and collected evidence. Rafique said, “We are conducting a detailed probe. Suresh has not been charged in connection with the death.”
Meanwhile, Venu’s younger brother Manoj said there was no reason to believe that his brother and wife took the extreme step.
The police recorded the statements of Venu's family on Sunday morning. “My brother once told me that he had deposited over Rs 3.65 lakh in the chit fund scheme. Our cousin's daughter's wedding is on Monday and my brother has bought her gifts,” Manoj recalled.
Suresh’s company went bust in 2013. His clients, who have lost around Rs 3 crore, have registered a case against Suresh and family with the Ambalappuzha police in the same year. Later, the police have registered 17 cheating cases in connection with his chit business. Though Suresh was arrested, he was later released on bail. tnn