Kerala: Chenthamara, found guilty in Sajitha murder case, sentenced to double life imprisonment, fined Rs 3.25 lakh

Palakkad, October 18 (IANS). Chenthamara (54), who was found guilty in the Nenmara Sajitha murder case in Kerala, was sentenced to double life imprisonment by the Palakkad Additional District and Sessions Court-4 on Saturday. The court gave this sentence for the crimes of murder, destruction of evidence and home invasion. Besides, a fine of Rs 3.25 lakh was also imposed on Chenthamara. This decision came after a six-year trial, which shows the strength of the legal system in the state. The incident is from 31 August 2019. Chenthamara killed his neighbor Sajitha (35) in Nenmara Boyan Colony. Sajitha, a resident of Palakkad, was the mother of two daughters. That day Sajitha was alone at home, the children were in school and husband Sudhakaran had gone to work in Tamil Nadu. Chenthamara entered Sajitha’s kitchen with a knife and cut her neck. According to the police, Chenthamara believed that Sajitha had created the illusion to make his wife leave. After the murder, he fled to the Nelliyampathy forest, but was arrested the next day. The prosecution presented statements from 34 witnesses, 63 documents and physical evidence. This included forensic reports, knives and other items. Chenthamara’s wife also testified that the accused tortured her mentally and physically. On October 14, the court found him guilty. Judge Kenneth George said the sentence should be severe given the brutality of the crime. This sentence is in Chenthamara’s first murder case. After he got out on bail, he also killed Sajita’s husband Sudhakaran (54) and mother Lakshmi (75) on January 27, 2025. He held both of them responsible for his family problems. After this double murder, the bail was canceled and Chenthamara was arrested. –IANS SHK/VC Share this story Tags