Kerala court sentences man to death for burning son, family alive

Idukki: A court in Kerala on Thursday sentenced an 82-year-old man to death after finding him guilty of murdering his son, daughter-in-law, and two granddaughters by setting their house on fire in Cheenikkuzhi, Idukki district, in March 2022.

Thodupuzha Additional Sessions Court Judge Ash K. Bal awarded the death penalty to Hameed alias Chittappan of Cheenikkuzhi, observing that the case fell under the “rarest of rare” category. Hameed was convicted under Sections 302 (murder) and 436 (mischief by fire or explosive substance with intent to destroy a building) of the Indian Penal Code.

According to the prosecution, Hameed committed the crime following a dispute over family property. On the night of March 19, 2022, around 12.30 am, he allegedly set fire to the house while his son Muhammad Faizal (45), daughter-in-law Sheeba (40), and their daughters Mehrin (16) and Asna (13) were asleep inside.

Police said Hameed had drained the water tank and emptied drinking water containers to prevent the victims from extinguishing the fire or escaping. He then threw petrol-filled bottles through the windows and reportedly blocked neighbours from entering when they tried to rescue the family.

During the sentencing hearing, Hameed sought leniency citing health issues, but the Special Public Prosecutor argued for the maximum punishment given the brutal nature of the crime that claimed four lives, including two children.

The trial began on October 25, 2024, during which 71 prosecution witnesses and three defence witnesses were examined.

With PTI inputs