Two Kerala-origin women died in separate incidents as police detained a 32-year-old woman and began investigating the circumstances.

Two women from Kerala have died in Milpitas, California, in incidents that Indian officials described as homicides, prompting efforts to repatriate their mortal remains.

The victims were identified by their relatives as Anjana Hari, 35, from Mudikkode near Mannuthy in Thrissur, and Ann Mary Mathew, 40, from Kesavadasapuram in Thiruvananthapuram.

Anjana had moved to the United States in 2021 and lived in California with her husband, Vijeesh, and their six-year-old daughter. A relative said the family initially received information that she had suffered a serious accident and was hospitalised before learning that she had died.

The women and their families reportedly lived in the same apartment complex. Their relatives said they knew each other socially, although the precise sequence of events and motive have not been officially established.

Milpitas Police said officers responded to the Mill Creek Apartments at 440 Dixon Landing Road shortly after noon on Friday following reports of a hit-and-run collision in the parking area.

Officers found a 35-year-old woman with significant injuries. She was pronounced dead at the scene. Witnesses reported seeing a blue SUV leave immediately after the collision.

Police later found a damaged blue SUV in a nearby parking area and arrested its driver, described as a 32-year-old Milpitas resident, in connection with the incident.

Relatives identified the detained woman as Anila, a native of Kottayam and an acquaintance of both victims. She remains a suspect, and the allegations against her have not been proven in court.

Family members claimed that Ann was stabbed inside an apartment and that Anjana was later struck by a vehicle. Those details await confirmation through formal investigative reports from US authorities. No official motive has been announced.

Union Minister Suresh Gopi said he spoke with the Consul General at the Indian Consulate in San Francisco at 7:25 AM IST on Monday. The consulate has jurisdiction over California and is coordinating assistance for the families.

According to Gopi, funeral homes handling the mortal remains have been instructed to begin the documentation required to transport them to India.

The minister said the timing of the repatriation remained uncertain because US authorities could retain the bodies while completing autopsies, forensic examinations and other investigative procedures.

He said formal details about the motive and findings would become clear only after reports from US authorities were received by India’s Ministry of External Affairs, Ministry of Home Affairs and NORKA.

Gopi expected another update from the consulate later on Monday. The families will be informed when US authorities authorise the release of the mortal remains and travel arrangements can be finalised.

The deaths have left the victims’ relatives in Kerala and the United States awaiting confirmed information. Anjana’s family said her husband remained in shock while caring for their young daughter.

Police have not publicly announced a motive or provided a complete account linking the separate deaths. Investigators are expected to examine witness statements, vehicle evidence, surveillance recordings and forensic findings.

The identity of an arrested person and family allegations do not establish guilt. Any criminal responsibility must be determined through the US investigation and court process.

Indian consular officials are expected to continue coordinating with local authorities, funeral homes and the families. Repatriation can proceed after the required medical, legal and transport documents are completed and the remains are formally released.