A woman from Uttar Pradesh was arrested in Kerala for allegedly murdering her six-year-old stepdaughter in Ernakulam district. The victim, Muskan, was found dead in her bed on Thursday morning, police said.

The arrest of Aneesha, the second wife of Muskan’s father, Ajaz Khan, was recorded on Friday after she confessed during interrogation to smothering the child, who was Ajaz’s daughter from his first marriage.

Ajaz, a carpenter, was reportedly away from home when the incident occurred on Wednesday night around 8.30 pm in Nellikuzhi part of the district’s Kothamangalam area.

Police have also taken into custody Noushad, a local resident, suspecting he influenced Aneesha and Ajaz with his advice. Preliminary investigations indicate that family disputes may have escalated, leading to the tragedy. Authorities are also probing a potential link to black magic and sorcery, which may have played a role in the crime. The investigation is ongoing

In another incident, Kerala police have arrested four individuals in connection with the death of a 24-year-old man who was killed in a hit-and-run on December 15.

The victim was struck by a white Swift car while standing on the side of the Punalur-Muvattupuzha highway in Ranni after getting out of another vehicle. The four suspects are believed to be involved in the fatal accident.