Thiruvananthapuram, September 1, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
The mortal remains of two Kerala women killed in Milpitas, California, are likely to be released on September 3 after completion of autopsy formalities, Union Minister of State for Tourism Suresh Gopi said on Tuesday, as efforts to repatriate the bodies entered the final stage.
Gopi said the coroner’s office had informed priest Thomas Kora and the families that the autopsy was expected to be completed by Thursday, following which the bodies would be released to registered funeral homes.
The funeral homes are expected to require another one or two days to complete the necessary procedures. The Indian Consulate will then complete the required paperwork for transporting the remains to Kerala, Gopi said.
The Union minister added that he was in regular contact with the Consul General of India in the US to facilitate the earliest possible return of the bodies. Gopi and Kerala Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan have also spoken with the families in the state and are monitoring the developments.
Anjana, 35, a native of Thrissur, and Ann Mary Mathew, 40, from Kesavadasapuram in Thiruvananthapuram, were killed in Milpitas on August 28.
Anjana was reportedly run over by a blue SUV in the parking area of the Mill Creek apartment complex, while Ann Mary was found stabbed to death inside an apartment.
Milpitas police have taken Anila, 32, a native of Moonnilavu in Kottayam and a friend of the two women, into custody in connection with the killings. The motive has not yet been established.
The three women were reportedly close friends and lived in the same apartment complex with their families. The killings have shocked the Malayali community in the US, particularly because the families had celebrated Onam together and watched a movie just a day before the incident.
Anjana, a school teacher, is survived by her husband Vijeesh, a software engineer, and their six-year-old daughter. Ann Mary, who worked as a computer teacher, was married to Jacob, a native of Chingavanam, and the couple has two daughters.
The immediate focus is now on completing the autopsy, funeral-home procedures and consular formalities so that the remains can be brought back to Kerala.
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