Kerala police arrested a couple, Jayesh Rajappan and his wife Rashmi, in Pathanamthitta for allegedly torturing and robbing two men after inviting them to their residence.
The victims, aged 19 and 29, suffered extreme physical abuse including beatings with iron rods and cycle chains, stapling with pins, reported even on genitals, pepper spraying, and forced sexual acts while being filmed. The couple allegedly used fabricated visuals to blackmail the victims.
Police continue to investigate the case, treating reports of black magic rituals as exaggerated, and have confirmed the accused are in judicial custody. The motive was reportedly suspicion of illicit affairs. Jayesh has a prior sexual abuse case from 2016. Authorities are probing for other potential victims and seeking further court custody for the accused.
Allegations and Police Investigation
The two victims had prior acquaintance with the couple, both from Kerala and having worked with Jayesh in Bengaluru. The first victim, a 19-year-old from Neelamperoor, was picked up by Jayesh on September 1 and taken to the couple’s home. There, he was tied up, hung by a shawl on a rafters beam, beaten, stapled on multiple parts of his body including private areas, pepper sprayed, and threatened with a dagger. He was forced to simulate sexual acts with Rashmi while Jayesh recorded the acts.
The second victim, a 29-year-old from Ranni, was invited on Onam day (September 5) and similarly tortured and robbed. Police have recovered multiple video clips from the accused’s phones showing the assaults. A cyber cell is involved to extract visuals kept in secure phone folders. Police have dismissed the alleged black magic elements mentioned by victims as exaggerated attempts to mislead investigation, focusing on charges of torture, robbery, and extortion.
While the victims feared black magic rituals were involved, officers have categorically dismissed these claims as misdirection, focusing solely on prosecuting the brutal acts of torture and extortion. Investigators are meticulously analysing video evidence and probing whether other victims exist, given the couple’s possible wider pattern of criminal behaviour.
Context and Background
Jayesh’s history includes a 2016 POCSO case involving sexual abuse of a minor, from which he served jail time. The couple is accused under various sections including threats, grievous hurt, attempted murder, kidnapping, and robbery. Following medical treatment of victims, the police initially faced challenges as victims gave misleading statements out of fear from threats by the accused.
Community reaction in Pathanamthitta has been one of shock and concern, leading police to form special investigative teams. The accused have not cooperated fully with questioning, prompting efforts to obtain extended custody for detailed interrogation. Authorities are examining the possibility of more victims or similar offences that might have gone unreported.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
This case is a stark reminder of the urgent need for vigilance against violent abuse within communities. It reveals how suspicion and power misuse can lead to cruelty that traumatizes victims and shakes public trust.
The Logical Indian stands for justice delivered through fair legal process and believes that empathy, dialogue, and kindness must underpin societal responses to such violence. Building stronger support networks for victims alongside effective policing can prevent such tragedies.
