Picture for representational purpose only.

KOZHIKODE: A man and a woman were killed in an explosion inside a house at Naikkatti near Sultan Bethery in Wayanad on Friday afternoon. The woman’s five-year-old daughter, who was playing in front of the house, had a miraculous escape. The deceased were identified as Amala, 38, wife of Elavana Nazar and Peringattel Benny, 48, hailing from Moolankavu.

Police said Benny came to Amala’s house with a ‘thotta’ (country bomb) strapped around his waist and blew himself up. Benny was a family friend of Nazar and Amala. Police said they are investigating if Benny was in a relationship with Amala.

The blast occurred on the verandah of the house at around 1.30pm. Nazar had gone to a nearby mosque . The blast occurred right in front of Amala’s daughter who lost consciousness following the incident, though she did not sustain any injuries.

Police said the bodies of the deceased were shattered in the powerful explosion. People who were present for Friday prayers in the nearby mosque came running after hearing the blast.

Nazar and Amala were running an Akshaya centre at Naikkatti. The couple has three daughters.

Benny, who is a carpenter by profession, has been running a furniture shop at Moolankkavu around 3km away from Naikkatti. He is survived by his wife and two children.

A team of forensic experts, bomb squad and dog squad conducted inspection at the site of the blast.

