Kerala man sentenced to death for twin murders while on bail, court cites no remorse

On Monday, a district court in Kerala's Palakkad sentenced 61-year-old Chenthamara to death for the murders of two people in 2025, committed while he was out on bail for a 2019 murder. The court described him as a 'grave and continuing threat to the social order' with 'no trace of remorse.'

Chenthamara, whose name means 'red lotus' in Malayalam, had been convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment in October 2024 for the 2019 murder of Sajitha, a young mother. However, he was granted bail in December 2024 under strict conditions not to enter the Nenmara panchayat area. He violated these conditions and returned home.

In early 2025, Chenthamara killed Sudhakaran, Sajitha's husband, and his mother Lakshmi Amma. The court noted that he had bought a chopper knife and threatened neighbours, brandishing the weapon and stating his intent to harm anyone who confronted him.

While deciding on the death penalty, the additional district sessions court in Palakkad stated: 'There is no trace of remorse discernible in his conduct. He continues to defend his own cause with defiance. Materials clearly establish that the chance of reformation is virtually nil. He exhibits a hardened criminal disposition, unrepentant in attitude and unrestrained in action. His continued justification of his deeds reinforces the conclusion that he poses a grave and continuing threat to the social order.'

The court also expressed concern for the safety of Sudhakaran and Sajitha's daughters, as well as two female witnesses, who had already fled their homes due to fear.

Chenthamara's murder spree began after a close friendship with Sudhakaran, who worked as a truck driver and was a neighbour. Personal issues and a belief that black magic was being performed against him fuelled his actions. Deputy Superintendent of Police N Muraleedharan, who investigated the case, said, 'Chenthamara believed his neighbours had performed black magic against him. He sought the advice of someone who performs occult rituals, and was told that a woman with long hair had performed black magic. He suspected Sajitha.'

Chenthamara's wife Vilasini worked with Sajitha under the MGNREGA rural job guarantee scheme. He had asked his wife to remove Sajitha and two other women from the work list, but she refused. This led to altercations, and in 2018, Chenthamara attacked Vilasini with a sword. She left home with their daughter and never returned.

On August 31, 2019, Chenthamara hacked Sajitha to death at her home. He was arrested but granted bail in December 2024. After violating bail conditions, he returned to the area, increasing public fear. Despite complaints from nearly 20 residents, he continued his threats. In January 2025, he told his advocate's clerk that he had bought a chopper knife and would kill anyone who confronted him. He was seen brandishing the knife and telling a neighbour, 'Have you seen my preparation? This is for cutting.'

The case highlights the challenges of bail conditions and the justice system's handling of repeat offenders. Chenthamara's death sentence will be subject to appeal before the Kerala High Court.