Manjeshwar: Man sets mother on fire, attempts to kill neighbouring woman in horrific incident

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In a chilling incident that has shocked residents of Vorkady in the Manjeshwar police station limits, a 33-year-old man allegedly killed his mother by setting her ablaze while she was asleep, and later attempted to murder a neighbouring woman by similarly setting her on fire.

The victim has been identified as Hilda Monteiro (60), wife of the late Louis Monteiro. The accused is her son, Melwin Monteiro, a daily wage building labourer. The neighbouring woman, Lolita (30), the wife of Melwin’s relative Victor, sustained severe burn injuries in the attack and is currently undergoing treatment at a hospital in Mangaluru.

According to police, Melwin first attacked his mother with a sharp object and then dragged her body outside the house, poured petrol on her, and set her on fire late Wednesday night. Later, he approached Lolita, claiming his mother had fallen seriously ill, and lured her to his house, where he attempted to burn her as well.

After committing the crimes, Melwin dumped his mother’s charred body in a bushy area behind the house and fled the scene. The reason for the gruesome act remains unclear, and police say he was under the influence of alcohol and cannabis, with frequent domestic quarrels reported between the mother and son.

Melwin and his mother lived alone in the house, while his brother Alwin Monteiro works in the Middle East. Locals said that Melwin would often harass his mother for money and had a history of substance abuse.

After fleeing Manjeshwar post-crime, Melwin reportedly travelled via Mangaluru and Udupi toward Kundapura. The Manjeshwar police tracked his mobile network activity, learning that he was heading toward Kollur. They immediately alerted local police.

A joint team of Kollur and Byndoor police, led by SI Vinay Korlahalli and SI Timmesh B.N., launched a manhunt. Though Melwin boarded a bus to Kollur, he alighted at Halkal Junction, hired an auto, and proceeded toward Kalthodu via Ellur in an apparent attempt to evade arrest.

Acting on local tip-offs, the team finally tracked and arrested him at a hideout in Battyayani, Kalthodu, between 12 noon and 1 PM on Friday. He was later handed over to the Kerala police for further interrogation under the supervision of Manjeshwar Circle Inspector E. Anoop.

Police revealed that Melwin was familiar with the Kollur region, having worked there recently in tree-cutting and stone-quarrying jobs. His previous work in the area gave him knowledge of surrounding villages like Halkal and Kalthodu, which helped him initially evade capture.

Preliminary investigation revealed bloodstains inside the room where Hilda was sleeping, suggesting she was first assaulted before being burned. Police believe the murder was premeditated, possibly triggered by family disputes and substance-fueled rage.

Neighbours remain stunned by the brutality. Locals say Melwin’s substance abuse had escalated in recent months, often leading to fights and abusive behaviour toward his elderly mother.

Manjeshwar police continue to investigate the case and are likely to charge Melwin under sections related to murder, attempted murder, and destruction of evidence. Further psychological evaluation of the accused is also expected.