The police on Tuesday filed a chargesheet in the Pothundy twin murder case which had shocked the State in January. The 480-page chargesheet was filed at the Judicial First Class Magistrate Court, Alathur, on the 57th day after the murder that took place on January 27.
The chargesheet is banking heavily on the statement of a sole eyewitness Sudheesh. The case has been built with 132 witnesses and more than 30 pieces of scientific evidence.
Mr. Sudheesh’s testimony is a crucial part of the case, as he claims to have directly witnessed the murder of Lakshmi. His statement carries significant weight in the investigation. The machete used for murder was found to have DNA traces of those killed: Lakshmi and her son, Sudhakaran.
Similarly, the machete handle had DNA traces of Chenthamara, the accused. This forensic link is expected to strengthen the case. Additionally, the dress used by Chenthamara had the bloodstains of Sudhakaran and Lakshmi.
Chenthamara’s deep-rooted animosity towards his neighbour Sudhakaran’s family is stated to be the reason for the murder. The chargesheet says that Chenthamara had planned to kill Sudhakaran, but finished off his mother Lakshmi when she raised an alarm. The police said Chenthamara had no signs of any mental illness, and the chargesheet contains proof of it.
Chenthamara hacked to death Sudhakaran and Lakshmi on January 27 morning. He was awaiting trial in the murder of Sudhakaran’s wife Sajita in 2019. He committed the twin murder after having been released on bail.
He escaped into the Pothundy hills after the murder, and was caught by the police while returning from the hills to satiate his hunger on January 29.
The police had faced severe criticism for failing to act in a threat complaint against Chenthamara by Sudhakaran and others. The police had also failed to act against Chenthamara for violating the bail conditions.
The court, while granting bail, had proscribed Chenthamara from staying in his house at Pothundy. The police did not act even after being told that he was staying in his house at Pothundy.
Published – March 25, 2025 07:01 pm IST
