Kollam: A 37-year-old woman, identified as Manju Thomas, has been arrested in Kerala after a video circulated on social media depicting her violently assaulting her elderly mother-in-law on Friday.
The incident, which took place in Kollam, triggered widespread outrage, prompting social media users to call for immediate action from the Kerala police.
In response to public outcry, police officials acted swiftly, arresting Thomas within hours of the video gaining traction online. The accused has been charged under Section 24 of the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, as well as Section 308 of the IPC for an attempt to commit culpable homicide.
According to a police official, the accused had allegedly been subjecting the elderly victim, 80-year-old Eliyamma Thomas, to ill treatment for some time. The video, shared on various social media platforms, shows Manju Thomas verbally abusing and physically assaulting her mother-in-law in the presence of two minor children.
The footage purportedly shows Eliyamma Thomas being pushed and punched by her daughter-in-law, resulting in the elderly woman falling to the ground in pain. Despite attempts to rise, she is met with further verbal abuse. Additionally, the accused can be seen making objectionable gestures towards the person recording the incident.
In response to the social media posts calling for intervention, the Kerala police confirmed the arrest of Manju Thomas on December 14. The accused is scheduled to be presented before the court.
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