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

The Thiruvananthapuram District Crime Branch probe into the mysterious death of Jayamadhavan Nair of the Koodathil family in Kalady, near Karamana, nine years ago, has found crucial evidence against the family’s former caretaker, Raveendran Nair, the prime accused in the case. The deaths of the members of the Koodathil family over a period of 26 years from 1991 had piqued interest, considering its eerie resemblance with the Koodathayi serial murder case in which a woman had allegedly murdered six people in Kozhikode over a span of 14 years.Jayamadhavan Nair was brought unconscious to the Thiruvananthapuram Government Medical College Hospital on April 2, 2017, and his death was subsequently confirmed. In the subsequent investigation, the police found discrepancies in statements regarding the time of his death as well as the manner in which the body was brought to the hospital.During an examination conducted with the assistance of medical and forensic experts, bloodstains were found on a cot and a piece of wood in the house. These were confirmed to be human blood, and crucial details were obtained through comparative testing with a blood sample from a relative of the deceased.The histopathology report revealed that a head injury was the cause of death. Besides, a report from the Biomechanics department of National Institute of Technology (NIT) Calicut confirmed that the head injury suffered by Jayamadhavan Nair was not caused by a fall. Jayamadhavan Nair’s bloodstains were also found during an examination of the car belonging to Anil, a friend of Raveendran Nair and another accused in the case. The vehicle was found to have been used to transport the body to the hospital. The investigation revealed that the car was driven by a person named Saju. The investigation also examined the complaint alleging that Raveendran Nair had prepared a forged will in order to usurp Jayamadhavan Nair’s properties. Forensic examination revealed the signature on the will did not belong to the deceased.On the basis of such findings, the investigation team intensified the probe against Raveendran Nair by evaluating medical reports, forensic evidence, witness statements and other investigative findings. Scientific tests, including Brain Electrical Oscillation Signature (BEOS) profiling, were also conducted. The medical opinion that head injury and asphyxiation caused the death was also considered during the investigation. The Crime Branch investigation found that the motive behind the murder was the accused’s intent to usurp properties worth crores of rupees. The crime was also driven by hostility over the fear that if the unmarried Jayamadhavan Nair were to marry, another legal heir would emerge for the properties claimed under the forged will. The crucial findings were uncovered by the investigation team comprising City Crime Branch Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) M.I. Shaji, Sub-Inspector Bipin Prakash, Assistant Sub-Inspector Jayakumar, and senior civil police officer Prathapan. Published - October 13, 2026 10:17 pm IST