Kerala nurse couple found dead in Kuwait; murder-suicide suspected

Dubai: A Malayali couple working as nurses in Kuwait were found dead with knife wounds in their apartment in what is suspected to be a case of homicide-suicide, according to multiple media reports.

The deceased were identified as Suraj Kuzhiyath John (39) from Mandalam in Naduvil grama panchayat, Kannur, and his wife Bincy (35) from Keezhillam, near Perumbavoor in Ernakulam district.

The couple, married for 11 years, are survived by their daughter Evelyn (9) and son Edwin (6), who are currently in Kerala.

According to reports, the incident took place on Thursday morning in Abbasiya, a residential locality in Kuwait. The couple had reportedly returned from a night shift and were preparing to relocate to Australia for new job opportunities.

Initial findings and suspicions

Initial findings suggest that a domestic dispute may have led to the tragedy. Neighbours told local media that they heard loud arguments coming from the apartment earlier in the day. The building’s security guard discovered the couple’s bodies later that morning and informed the police. Both were found with knives in their hands.

Quoting relatives and acquaintances, reports say Suraj called friends after the incident, allegedly confessing that he had fatally injured his wife and was going to end his own life. Shortly after, he removed his WhatsApp profile photo and deleted his status updates.

Suraj worked as a nurse at a government health facility in Kuwait, while Bincy was employed under the Ministry of Defence. The couple had returned to Kuwait just two days prior, on April 29, after spending Easter in Kerala. Their children remained with Bincy’s family in Kerala as the couple prepared for their move to Australia.

Speaking to Manorama News, Baby Odampallil, a Naduvil ward member and family friend, said, “We suspect an argument broke out after their night shift. In a fit of rage, he may have stabbed her. It could have been a tragic accident. Suraj was devastated when he spoke to friends,” he was quoted as saying.

Suraj’s mother reportedly called him around 11:26 am IST after sensing something was wrong. He told her Bincy had stepped out to buy something. By 12:30 pm IST, both bodies had been moved to a local hospital for autopsy. Media reports say Bincy suffered a stab wound to the chest while Suraj had a neck wound.

The post-mortem is expected on Saturday, as Friday was a public holiday in Kuwait. The bodies are likely to be flown back to Kerala early next week.

Suraj’s elder sister is also a nurse in Kuwait, while his younger sister works in Bengaluru. The couple’s funeral will be held at St Jude Church in Mandalam, their hometown in Kannur.