Kerala minister assures repatriation of two women murdered in California

Union Minister Suresh Gopi has assured that all necessary steps will be taken to bring back the mortal remains of two women from Kerala who were allegedly murdered in California, United States. The minister's statement came on Monday, August 31, 2026, following reports of the deaths.

The deceased have been identified by relatives as Anjana, a native of Mudikkode in Thrissur, and Ann Mathew, from Kesavadasapuram in Thiruvananthapuram. According to Anjana's relative, Vinod, the suspect, identified as Anila, a native of Kottayam and a friend of the two women, is in US police custody.

Vinod stated that all three women, along with their families, were residing in the same apartment in the US. He said Anjana's family in Thrissur initially received calls on Saturday informing them that Anjana had been seriously injured in an accident and hospitalised, before later learning of her death. The families reportedly knew Ann through video calls but did not personally know Anila. The three women were employed in different jobs.

Anjana's husband, Vijeesh, is said to be in shock and struggling to cope with the tragedy while caring for their six-year-old daughter. Anjana had moved to the US in 2021 and is survived by her husband and daughter.

According to information received from people in the US, Anila allegedly stabbed Ann at their apartment and later rammed a car into Anjana. Vinod noted that Vijeesh was yet to provide complete information as he was still overcoming the shock.

Mr. Gopi told the media that the deaths have been officially confirmed as homicides. However, specific motives and detailed investigative findings would only be known after formal reports are issued by US authorities to the Ministry of External Affairs, Ministry of Home Affairs, and NORKA.

The Minister said he spoke with the Consul General at the Consulate in San Francisco, which has jurisdiction over California, on Monday morning. He was informed that orders have been issued to the funeral homes handling the services to proceed with all required documentation to send the mortal remains to India.

Mr. Gopi added that it was not yet confirmed when the mortal remains would be handed over to relatives in the US, as authorities may retain them for further investigation. He expects an update from the Consulate later in the day, after which a clearer timeline for the repatriation of the bodies will be known.