Peerumedu, Idukki: What was initially claimed to be a tragic wildlife incident has now been confirmed as a brutal murder. Police have ruled out the possibility that tribal woman Seeta died in a wild elephant attack, stating instead that she was killed by human hands. Her husband, Binu—who had alleged the elephant story—is now in custody.

The postmortem revealed no traces of injuries from any animal. Instead, Seeta suffered severe trauma, especially to her head and spine. The right side of her skull showed repeated blunt-force injuries from being slammed against a rough surface. A second blow on the left is believed to have come from striking a tree. A third impact to the back of her head likely occurred during a fall.

The fall itself appears to have been from a height, causing fatal damage. Seven vertebrae on the left and six on the right were shattered—two even pierced her lungs. The autopsy also noted a puncture near the navel. The most severe injury was found on the right side of her head.

These injuries collectively ruled out an animal attack and confirmed foul play. Investigators suspect a staged cover-up by Binu, who is under interrogation.