Court Convicts Chenthamara in Nenmara Double Murder Case

Palakkad: A court in Keralam has found Chenthamara (Chenthamarakshan, 60) guilty in the sensational double murder case that shocked the state in Pothundi, Nenmara. The verdict was delivered by the Palakkad Additional Sessions Court.

The court held Chenthamara guilty of murdering Pothundi residents Sudhakaran and his mother Lakshmi. The quantum of sentence will be pronounced after hearing arguments on sentencing.

The murders took place on January 27, 2025, when Chenthamara hacked to death his neighbours, Sudhakaran and Lakshmi. Following the killings, he fled into a forest area, prompting a massive two-day search operation by the police and local residents. He was taken into police custody at around 11 pm on January 28 from the Mattayi forest area near Pothundi.

On February 5, investigators conducted evidence collection at Elavanchery, where the knife used in the murders had been purchased. On February 18, the court cancelled Chenthamara's bail in an earlier murder case.

He had been released on bail in connection with the 2019 murder of Sudhakaran's wife, Sajitha. According to the prosecution, Chenthamara believed that Sajitha and her family were responsible for the breakdown of his relationship with his wife and daughter, leading to the killings. Sajitha was hacked to death inside her house on August 31, 2019.

In the Sajitha murder case, Chenthamara had been sentenced to double life imprisonment and fined ₹3.25 lakh. Investigators also found that after obtaining bail in 2022, he violated the bail conditions by residing in Pothundi.

On March 3, the confidential statements of key witnesses were recorded before the Chittur Judicial First Class Magistrate Court. The police filed a 480-page chargesheet on March 25.

During the trial, the prosecution presented 132 witnesses, more than 30 documentary exhibits, and scientific evidence, including forensic examination reports. The trial was conducted between February 23 and May 6. Of the witnesses examined during the proceedings, four turned hostile.