Thiruvananthapuram: A 23-year-old engineering student, here, was arrested on Thursday by the police for the murder of his 51-year-old mother.

The state police arrested Akshay Ashok, after keeping him in custody for two days, following his confession of the brutal act.

His mother, Deepa's charred body was found from the waste yard of their house on Tuesday morning.

Ashok himself had alerted the police on Tuesday stating that a charred body was found in their backyard. He also said that his mother was missing since Monday evening.

The police took him into custody after they found him changing his statements.

During the interrogation, Ashok confessed that he and his mother were not on talking terms and on Monday afternoon, he had pushed her down. He then using a bed sheet strangulated her to death, he told the police.

According to the police, after he ensured that his mother was dead, he burned her in the place where they normally burn the waste, using petrol.

Ashok has completed his engineering course earlier in 2017, and was waiting to clear a few of the remaining papers. His father was employed in Muscat, while his sister was married and in UAE. 

Both of them have arrived here, after the murder.

The police were awaiting the DNA results of the dead body, as that would confirm Deepa's death.

The body was yet to be handed over to the family. The police was also probing Ashok for drug-use.

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Nowshera/Jammu (PTI): Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday inaugurated a vital upgraded road and a 100-bedded sub-district hospital during his visit to the border belt of Nowshera in Rajouri district, emphasising that public office is a responsibility to serve the people and improve their quality of life.

The chief minister received a rousing welcome on his arrival, with people lining both sides of the road, showering flower petals.

Soon after he arrived in Nowshera, Abdullah inaugurated a vital road link from the highway bridge to Nowshera town and the 100-bedded sub-district hospital during his tour of the area.

The visit of the chief minister, along with his cabinet colleagues, marked a major push towards strengthening connectivity and healthcare infrastructure in the region.

The upgraded road project, executed by the PWD department for Rs 7.99 crore, is expected to significantly improve connectivity, streamline traffic movement and reduce travel time for commuters, officials said.

The chief minister also inaugurated the upgraded 100-bedded sub-district hospital, developed at an estimated cost of Rs 18.18 crore. The facility is equipped with modern healthcare infrastructure aimed at enhancing patient care and expanding access to quality medical services for the people of Nowshera and adjoining areas, they said.

During his visit, Abdullah took a detailed tour of the hospital and inspected key sections, including X-ray, ECG and ultrasound rooms, examination rooms, and the blood storage unit. He interacted with doctors, staff and patients, enquiring about the availability and quality of healthcare services.

Addressing a massive public gathering, Abdullah emphasised that public office is a responsibility to serve the people and improve their quality of life.

"Positions of power are not meant for personal comfort but to bring relief to the people and make their lives easier. Our priority is to strengthen schools, hospitals, roads, and address unemployment and poverty," he said.

He highlighted key initiatives aimed at boosting connectivity, healthcare and overall socio-economic growth in Rajouri and adjoining areas.

Interacting with the public, he assured that the voices and aspirations of the people of the Pir Panjal region would continue to guide policy decisions and drive responsive governance on the ground.

The chief minister reiterated the government’s commitment to regularising daily wagers and ensuring justice for Anganwadi and ASHA workers through improved wages and stipends.

He also highlighted various welfare initiatives, including the provision of free gas cylinders to the poorest households, electricity support and free bus travel for women.

Highlighting recent developmental achievements, he noted that projects like the Nowshera road and hospital, which had remained pending for years, were completed due to the focused efforts of the present government.

Speaking on the occasion, Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary said that key infrastructure projects in the region have been realised under the leadership of the chief minister, reaffirming the government's commitment to balanced and equitable development across Jammu and Kashmir.