Palakkad Sessions Court Delivers Landmark Verdict
In a significant legal development, the Palakkad Sessions Court has sentenced 61-year-old Chenthamara to death for the brutal murders of Sudhakaran and his elderly mother, Lakshmi, in the infamous Nenmara double murder case. Additional Sessions Judge IV, Kenneth George, described Chenthamara as a persistent threat to society with no prospects for reformation, thus warranting the death penalty.
Details of the Conviction and Sentencing
Chenthamara was found guilty under Section 103 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (BNS), which pertains to murder. The court also imposed a fine of ₹20 lakh on the convict, earmarked for the legal heirs of the victims, including Sudhakaran’s orphaned daughters. Should Chenthamara fail to pay this amount, the financial burden will fall on the state.
The death sentence, as per legal protocol, requires confirmation from the Kerala High Court. The case originated from a longstanding personal feud between Chenthamara and the victims’ family.
Background of the Case
Chenthamara had previously been convicted for the 2019 murder of Sajitha, Sudhakaran’s wife, whom he blamed for his marital breakdown. Released on bail in January 2025, he allegedly plotted a calculated attack on Sudhakaran and his mother, resulting in their gruesome deaths on January 27, 2025, in Nenmara, Palakkad.
The prosecution argued that Chenthamara meticulously planned the attack, obtaining the necessary weapons well in advance. He attempted to mislead investigators by leaving a bottle of poison at his residence, suggesting a suicide attempt post-crime.
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Court’s Rationale for Sentencing
The trial court was convinced by the prosecution’s case, which depicted the murders as premeditated acts of violence. During sentencing, Judge George noted Chenthamara’s lack of remorse and his continued threat to society. “His arrogant and spontaneous replies during the trial reveal a hardened disposition,” the court remarked. The court underscored that Chenthamara’s demeanor throughout the trial exhibited no genuine remorse or potential for rehabilitation.
Defense’s Arguments and Court’s Rebuttal
The defense, led by Advocate Jacob Mathew, presented a mitigation report from the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), highlighting Chenthamara’s expressions of regret and his intention to support the victims’ children financially. They also argued that he was in a disturbed mental state during the crime.
However, the court dismissed these claims, labeling them as insincere attempts to evade severe punishment. “The subsequent representation of remorse and rehabilitation is to be brushed aside as mere crocodile tears,” the court stated, categorizing the crime as among the ‘rarest of rare cases,’ thus justifying the death penalty.
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The prosecution was represented by Additional Public Prosecutor MJ Vijayakumar, who effectively argued the state’s case against Chenthamara.
