Police Solve 19-Year-Old Triple Murder Case Using AI

In a striking example of technology aiding law enforcement, Kerala Police have solved a 19-year-old triple murder case with the help of artificial intelligence (AI). Two former army officers, who had been on the run for nearly two decades after committing the crime, were arrested after adopting new identities and marrying local women in Puducherry.

The case dates back to February 2006, when Dibin Kumar (28), an army officer from Kollam district, allegedly murdered a woman named Ranjini and her twin children with the help of his friend Rajesh. Dibin and Ranjini had been in a relationship and were living together in Anchal town of Kollam district. When Ranjini became pregnant, Dibin, who was posted at the national border at the time, refused to acknowledge his involvement and distanced himself from her. Distressed by his denial, Ranjini filed a complaint with the Kerala State Women's Commission.

Following this, Dibin sought assistance from his friend Rajesh, another army officer. On February 10, 2006, while Ranjini’s mother went out to collect the birth certificates of the children, Rajesh visited Ranjini’s house under the pretext of resolving the matter. Instead, Rajesh and Dibin murdered Ranjini and her two infants before fleeing.

Despite registering a case and notifying the Indian Army, the police were unable to trace the accused. In March 2006, both Dibin and Rajesh were listed as deserters by the army. With no leads, the case lingered unresolved for years. In 2010, the Kerala High Court handed over the investigation to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). A reward of ₹2 lakh was announced for information leading to the arrest of the accused, but they remained at large for nearly 19 years.

Recently, CBI officials received a tip-off that the fugitives were living in Puducherry under assumed identities. Investigations revealed that both men had married two Kerala women and were employed as teachers. Using AI-based tools, the CBI verified their identities and apprehended them. The accused were presented before the Ernakulam court, which has ordered police custody until January 18 for further interrogation.