Thiruvananthapuram (Kerala): Five people were taken into custody on Wednesday for the alleged murder of a woman who disappeared 15 years ago from Mannar in Kerala's Alappuzha district, media reported.

Police found her remains, confirming the murder, India Today reported, citing officials.

Following a tip-off, police investigated a septic tank at her husband's house and found important evidence.

The woman, identified as Kala, went missing from her Mannar home in 2008-2009 at the age of 27, according to the report.

No missing person report was filed at the time.

However, the police began investigating a few months ago after receiving information at the Ambalappuzha police station about her disappearance.

Anil Kumar, Kala's husband, has been identified as the prime suspect in her murder, the report said.

Alappuzha SP Chaitra Theresa John stated that Anil is currently working in Israel and efforts are underway to bring him back to Kerala.

John indicated that personal issues seem to be the motive behind the murder.

Five people are currently in custody, with arrests expected to be formally recorded soon.

Initially, there were rumours that Kala had eloped with someone else, taking her jewellery with her.

Despite coming from different communities and facing familial opposition, Kala and Anil Kumar married and had a son together.

Anil has since remarried and is living in Israel.

The investigation into the case is ongoing.