Rithu arrogant, consumed by rage & impossible to predict, say residents

Residents claim that despite them complaining several times to the police, Rithu, a troublemaker, was let off considering his mental health issues

- TOBY ANTONY @Kochi

DESPITE varying accounts about the academic and professional background of Rithu Jayan, the accused in the Chendamangalam triple murder case, his neighbours, local residents, and even the cops unanimously agree on a single point - he is perceived as an arrogant, volatile individual consumed by anger.

Amid the deep grief over the tragic loss of three lives from a single family, Chendamangalam residents shared their experiences of the accused's troubling behaviour and violent tendencies.

"He's a psychopath, intoxicated by drugs, and even involved in drug peddling. No one is willing to cooperate with him in anything because it's impossible to predict his thoughts or actions," said Udhayan, a local resident and a handloom worker.