Chenthamara.
Palakkad: A long-standing personal feud is believed to have been the motive behind the double murder of a 72-year-old woman and her 53-year-old son in Palakkad, Kerala, police confirmed. The two victims were allegedly killed by their neighbor, Chenthamara, on January 27, 2025.
The police arrested Chenthamara, 58, after a massive manhunt and reported that he showed no remorse for his actions, even appearing pleased with what he had done. Lakshmi and her son Sudhakaran were hacked to death in broad daylight outside their home in Pothundi on Monday morning.
Chenthamara, who had been on the run since the crime, was captured late Tuesday night. Police have charged him with murder under section 103 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Palakkad SP Ajith Kumar briefed the media, stating that the accused had provided initial answers during questioning, though these statements still require verification.
According to the police, the murders were the result of a longstanding enmity between the two families, which escalated after Chenthamara allegedly killed Sudhakaran’s wife, Sajitha, in 2019. The accused reportedly believes that his wife left him due to interference from the victims' family.
The police also revealed that the killings appeared premeditated, as Chenthamara had bought a weapon beforehand. During his interrogation, Chenthamara denied any association with black magic practices, though this claim is yet to be confirmed. Additionally, the accused tried to mislead authorities by claiming he had consumed poison, but medical tests showed no traces of poison in his system.
Chenthamara managed to evade capture for over 24 hours by hiding in a nearby forest, familiar with the area. It was only when hunger forced him out of hiding that he was apprehended while attempting to return home for food.
The accused will be produced before a magistrate today and remanded to judicial custody. The police plan to seek his custody in the coming days to recreate the crime scene.
Criticism has been directed at the Nenmara police, with allegations from the Congress party and Sudhakaran's children that the police had failed to act despite being alerted that Chenthamara had violated his bail conditions and returned to the village.
With PTI inputs