The two persons accused of the brutal murder of 33-year-old Shefeena in Mannanthala were remanded to judicial custody on Sunday.

The accused, her elder brother Shamsad of Pothencode and his friend Vyshakh of Chempazhanthy, were arrested by the police following the violent incident that unfolded on Saturday evening.

Shefeena, a native of Pothencode, was allegedly beaten to death by her brother and his friend after a heated argument escalated into violence. The murder occurred at a rented apartment near Mukkolakkal, where Shefeena had been living with her parents and children.

Shefeena, who was the youngest of five siblings, had been separated from her husband for around six months. Shamsad had expressed constant dissatisfaction over her relationship choices and marital issues, particularly criticising her frequent video calls with friends. He blamed her behaviour for the breakdown of her marriage and the strain it had caused in the family. The dispute reached its peak on Saturday when Shamsad confronted Shefeena about her friendships, the police said.

The investigation team has ascertained the role of Vyshakh in the murder. The duo, who were found to be in an inebriated state, also allegedly prevented Shefeena’s parents from rescuing her during the assault.