'Find Out Who I Killed 39 Years Ago': Kerala Cops Solve Murder Mystery Year After Killer's Confession
'Find Out Who I Killed 39 Years Ago': Kerala Cops Solve Murder Mystery Year After Killer's Confession Reported By, Last Updated: June 04, 2026, 10:42
'Find Out Who I Killed 39 Years Ago': Kerala Cops Solve Murder Mystery Year After Killer's Confession Reported By, Last Updated: June 04, 2026, 10:42 IST Muhammed Ali was 14 when he killed a man who allegedly attempted to sexually assault him. 40 years later, he wants to be punished for it, but the case is just not that simple Rapid Read According to Ali's detailed confession, the incident took place in the last week of November 1986 after the victim allegedly attempted to sexually assault him. (AI Generated) On June 5, 2025, a 54-year-old man walked into the Vengara Police Station in Kerala’s Malappuram district with an unusual request. He told officers that he wanted to confess to a murder he had committed as a teenager nearly four decades ago and asked them to identify the victim. Muhammed Ali, also known as Antony, recounted details of a crime he said he had kept buried in his mind for almost 40 years. According to Ali’s detailed confession, the incident took place in the last week of November 1986 after the victim allegedly attempted to sexually assault him. While resisting, the teenager pushed the man into a brook and held him underwater until he drowned. The Vengara Police recorded Ali’s statement before transferring the case to the Thiruvambady Police Station in Kozhikode district, where the alleged crime had occurred.
After an 11-month investigation, the Thiruvambady police officially confirmed that the victim was Mohanan, a man in his early 20s whose family had roots in Teekoy in Kottayam district before moving to Iritty in Kannur district. Although Ali’s relatives suggested he may have made the confession because of mental health issues, clues from old newspaper reports prompted police to pursue a detailed investigation. Investigators cross-referenced historical archives, missing-person reports and newspaper clippings from December 1986 to identify the date and location of the death. However, establishing the victim’s identity proved far more difficult. It took nearly a year for police to confirm that the victim was Mohanan from Iritty. “Mohanan, who was around 22 years old at the time, had left home after telling relatives he was travelling to their native place in Teekoy. However, the postal seal on a letter he sent indicated Koodaranji. Nearly a year after the incident, someone informed the family about the death, and his uncle came to identify the photograph taken during the inquest," Thiruvambady Station House Officer K Prashanth told News18.com. “At the time, there was no suspicion of foul play for two reasons. First, the post-mortem concluded that it was a case of drowning. Second, the victim suffered from epilepsy," he said. Police said Mohanan’s sister later confirmed that the deceased was her brother.
Another sibling subsequently corroborated the identification, helping solve a mystery that had remained unresolved for decades. “After reports of Muhammed Ali’s confession appeared in the media, family members contacted the police, suspecting the victim might have been their brother. By comparing old records with information provided by relatives, we were able to conclusively establish that the deceased was Mohanan," the officer added. Ali Says He Is Ready to Face Punishment According to Muhammed Ali, he decided to come forward because overwhelming guilt had left him unable to sleep, particularly after the death of his eldest son and an accident involving his second son. Ali said he was relieved that the victim had finally been identified and was prepared to accept whatever punishment the court deemed appropriate. “It is a great relief," he told reporters. “I don’t want any advocate. I’m ready for the punishment." A Legally Complex Case The Mohanan murder case is likely to face significant legal hurdles. Under Indian law, a confession made to a police officer cannot by itself form the basis of a conviction and is generally inadmissible as evidence in court. Further complicating matters, Ali claims he was only 14-years-old when the alleged crime occurred, which could require the matter to be handled under provisions relating to juvenile offenders. The case also lacks conventional evidence.
There are no eyewitnesses, physical remains, murder weapon or forensic material available to support the prosecution’s case. Another Unidentified Victim? Ali has also confessed to another alleged killing. According to his statement, he and an accomplice murdered an unidentified man at Kozhikode’s Vellayil Beach in 1989 after the victim allegedly snatched money from him. Police have located a newspaper report dated September 24, 1989, documenting the recovery of an unidentified body from the beach. Investigators are now examining whether the case is connected to Ali’s confession. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit About the Author Chandrakanth Viswanath Chandrakanth Viswanath is a bilingual multimedia journalist with working experience from various locations in India and the Middle East. Now based in Thiruvananthapuram as an editor after stints in Ne... Read More Location: Thiruvananthapuram, India, India First Published: June 04, 2026, 10:41 IST News cities kochi 'Find Out Who I Killed 39 Years Ago': Kerala Cops Solve Murder Mystery Year After Killer's Confession Disclaimer: Comments reflect users’ views, not News18’s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments...
The BriefWire