Karuvatta Murder Case: Accused Minors May Face Trial as Adults

Alappuzha: The police have sought to have three of the accused in the murder of an elderly man at Karuvatta in Haripad tried as adults, excluding the 13-year-old girl among them. Since the accused are below 18 years of age, proceedings will currently be conducted under the Juvenile Justice Act. However, citing provisions that allow juveniles involved in heinous crimes to be treated as adults and tried accordingly, the police will submit a report to the Juvenile Justice Board.

Those involved in the murder of the middle-aged man are aged 16 and 17. The three had travelled from Kollam to carry out the murder. The girl is alleged to have devised the master plan for the killing. The accused had reportedly planned to break the roof tiles and drop a large stone on Shivankutty's head to kill him. However, when they broke the tiles, the ceiling became an obstacle and they abandoned the plan. The police said the murder of elderly Shivankutty at Karuvatta was carried out in a professional manner similar to methods shown in films.

The accused entered the house through a ventilator at the rear and wore gloves to avoid leaving evidence that could help the police. They also scattered chilli powder at the scene. The intention was allegedly to make it appear that the crime had been committed during a robbery.

The victim's hands and legs were found tied with pieces of cloth. The police are seeking an adult trial for the accused, pointing to the exceptionally brutal nature of the crime.