Wayanad (Kerala) | A 17-year-old boy has been arrested in connection with the murder of an 85-year-old woman who was found dead at her home in Vaippadi near Kottathara in this district, police said on Tuesday.

The boy, who has been produced before the Juvenile Justice Board, is accused of assaulting the elderly woman and strangling her inside her bedroom after she allegedly refused to give him money he had demanded, police said.

The victim, identified as Pathu, was living alone at her house in Vaippadi.

She was found dead on the evening of May 24, 2026, following which her body was sent for a post-mortem examination at Mananthavady Medical College.

According to police, the post-mortem confirmed that it was a case of murder.

The examination reportedly found fractures to the neck bones, multiple injuries on the body and broken ribs on the left side.

Investigators said the case initially had no clear leads.

A special investigation team led by the Kalpetta Deputy Superintendent of Police was formed on the directions of Wayanad District Police Chief Arun K Pavithran.

The team used scientific methods, including fingerprint analysis and assistance from the dog squad, before tracing the suspect.

Police said the 17-year-old had previously been involved in incidents of theft, harassment of women and intimidating elderly residents for money.

Several complaints had been received against him in the past, and reports had earlier been submitted before the Juvenile Justice Board in February 2025 and January 2026.