Police have arrested a woman and her lover for the alleged murder of the former’s 2-year-old son on Monday evening. The complaint was filed against them by the child’s biological father, Manu, who had separated from the accused two months ago.

Uthara (21), a native of Kollam separated from Manu to live with her lover, Rajeesh (26) and her 2-year-old son Ekalavyan in a rented house in Varkala. Following the separation, Manu had reportedly filed a complaint seeking custody of the child. On Saturday, both Rajeesh and Uthara reached Manu’s house seeking medical treatment for the child, who was in an unconscious state. The child was then taken to the Government Taluk Hospital where he was declared dead on arrival.

Manu, who had become suspicious after he found bruise marks on the face and head of the child, filed a complaint against Uthara and Rajeesh, who were then taken into custody on Saturday evening. The post-mortem report revealed that the boy had a ruptured small intestine, a broken rib bone, and an internal head injury after the child was allegedly kicked and beaten up by the duo persistently. They did so in order to live together, in the absence of the child. It was the discharge coming out of the small intestine that worsened his condition and led to his death, according to the police.

“I’ve seen bruise marks all over his body and I had requested them to give him to me. She (Uthara) only killed my son. I would have taken care of him like gold,” Manu said.

Uthara and Rajeesh have been charged under section 302 and section 75 of the Juvenile Justice. They were presented in the court on Wednesday, and have been remanded in judicial custody.