A tragic murder-suicide in Kerala’s Kannur district that claimed four lives, including two young children, has triggered a disturbing online backlash that largely targets the children’s mother, raising serious concerns about patriarchy, misinformation and victim-blaming.

The incident occurred on December 22 at Ramanthali in Kannur, where Kaladharan KT (36) and his mother Usha (56) allegedly poisoned Kaladharan’s children — Hima (6) and Kannan (2). The two adults later died by suicide. Police said the case followed a prolonged legal dispute between Kaladharan and his estranged wife over child custody.

Custody dispute at the centre

According to reports, a family court had ordered that custody of the children be handed over to their mother. Police recovered a suicide note allegedly written by Kaladharan, blaming his wife for the deaths. Investigators are examining all aspects, including family circumstances and the contents of the note.

Earlier, Kaladharan’s father had been booked under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act following a complaint by Kaladharan’s wife, after which he began living separately.

Online sympathy, selective outrage

While the deaths of two minors shocked the state, social media discourse quickly turned polarised. A large section of online commentary expressed sympathy for Kaladharan while directing hostility at the children’s mother, accusing her of misusing laws and “destroying the family”.

Several posts alleged that family laws favour women and drive men to desperation. Men’s rights groups echoed similar claims, questioning why the woman’s identity was not widely circulated.

However, others strongly criticised this narrative. Writer Sreekala Devayanam described the incident as a crime rooted in ego and violence, not legal injustice, stating that killing one’s children cannot be justified under any circumstances.

‘Reflection of patriarchy’

Social activist and advocate Cuckoo Devaky told the media that the backlash reflects deep-seated patriarchy. She said women are routinely blamed in family tragedies, while male violence is rationalised. She also stressed that the children’s constitutional right to life was completely ignored in the discourse.

Similar patterns were seen earlier in the case of Bengaluru techie Atul Subhash, where online debates framed the tragedy as a men’s rights versus women’s rights issue.

The Payyannur Police have registered an FIR for unnatural death and the investigation is ongoing.

Mental health support

If you or someone you know is struggling, please seek help.

Kerala (24×7):
Maithri: 0484 2540530
Chaithram: 0484 2361161

Karnataka (24×7):
Sahai: 080 65000111 / 080 65000222