In a significant legal proceeding held on Saturday, October 18, 2025, Chenthamara, the key accused in the widely publicized Pothundy murder cases, was handed a double life imprisonment. This sentence pertains to the murder of his neighbor, Sajitha, which tragically occurred six years earlier in Pothundy, Palakkad, Kerala.
Pallakad Additional District and Sessions Court-IV Judge Kenneth George delivered the stringent verdict, condemning Chenthamara to a dual life term and imposing a substantial fine of ₹3.25 lakh. He had previously been convicted on charges of murder, criminal trespass, and destruction of evidence in connection with Sajitha’s death.
The prosecution, led by Public Prosecutor M.J. Vijayakumar, meticulously presented its case, relying on the testimony of 34 witnesses and introducing 63 crucial documents and material exhibits. Their efforts culminated in a successful conviction, shedding light on the sinister motive behind the crime.
It was firmly established by the prosecution that Chenthamara’s motive was rooted in deep-seated vindictiveness towards Sajitha. He harbored a belief that she was responsible for his wife’s decision to leave him, fueling a dangerous desire for revenge.
The horrific incident unfolded on August 31, 2019. While Sajitha was alone in her kitchen preparing lunch, her children at school, and her husband Sudhakaran working in Tamil Nadu, Chenthamara brutally attacked her with a machete. Following the heinous act, he fled into the dense Nelliyampathy forest but was apprehended by authorities just a day later.
A shocking twist in the saga occurred on January 27, 2025. While out on bail for Sajitha’s murder, Chenthamara once again terrorized the community, this time killing Sajitha’s widower, Sudhakaran, and his mother, Lakshmi. These subsequent murders, carried out in a similar gruesome fashion, were reportedly driven by his continued suspicion of their involvement in his family’s abandonment.
The tragic killings of the mother-son duo sparked widespread outrage and severe criticism against the police. Concerns had been repeatedly raised by Sudhakaran and his children regarding Chenthamara’s presence in their Pothundy home, yet these warnings were reportedly unheeded.
Although the chargesheet for Sajitha’s murder was filed in 2020, the trial only commenced in August 2025, underscoring the protracted legal battle. Key testimonies from several individuals, including Chenthamara’s estranged wife, her brother, and friends, played a pivotal role in securing the conviction in the Sajitha murder case.
During the sentencing phase, the prosecution advocated for capital punishment. However, the defense lawyer countered, arguing that the court’s verdict should not be swayed by the later double murder committed while Chenthamara was on bail. His counsel highlighted that prior to Sajitha’s murder, Chenthamara had no criminal record, not even for a minor offense.
Family Expresses Relief and Satisfaction at Verdict
Sajitha’s daughters, Atulya and Akhila, conveyed their profound relief and happiness following the court’s verdict. They had consistently pushed for the maximum possible punishment, having previously voiced serious safety concerns should Chenthamara ever be granted bail.