Nishanth Nishanth kills 18‑year‑old Nithya in Kerala, burns body

Police in Idukki district said the 19‑year‑old Nishanth Nishanth, from Vattappara B Division, strangled and bludgeoned his former girlfriend, 18‑year‑old Nithya, on Oct. 11 at a tea plantation in Poopara.

The couple had been together since 2023, but a break‑up led Nishanth to summon Nithya to discuss their relationship. The meeting, scheduled for 2:30 p.m., quickly escalated into a heated quarrel.

According to investigators, Nishanth seized a stone from the plantation and repeatedly struck Nithya, killing her on the spot. He then used a heavy petrol container to try to hide the evidence.

After the killing, Nishanth drove the body in his autorickshaw to the Pambla Dam area and poured petrol over the remains, setting them ablaze before fleeing the scene.

Police tracked him to Rajakumari after he turned off his mobile, and they arrested him at 10 p.m. He faces charges of murder and arson, and investigators are reviewing forensic evidence.

The case has sparked outrage among local communities, with a family of the victim demanding swift justice.