Wed Feb 19 14:50:31 UTC 2025: **Murder Accused Recants Confession, Sent to Prison**
PALAKKAD, February 19, 2025 – Chenthamara, accused in the double murder of a couple in Pothundy near Nenmara, retracted his earlier confession to police on Wednesday. Appearing before the Judicial First Class Magistrate Court in Chittur, he pleaded not guilty, a change of heart attributed to legal counsel advising him on the implications of admitting guilt.
Initially cooperative, Chenthamara altered his stance after consulting with his lawyer, Jacob Mathew. Mr. Mathew stated that his client had been unaware of the potential consequences of a guilty plea.
The court, acting on a request from investigating officers, ordered that Chenthamara’s testimony be recorded in secrecy. Following his not-guilty plea, he was remanded to Viyyur Central Prison and Correctional Home.
This development comes after Chenthamara’s bail was revoked in a separate 2019 murder case involving his neighbor, Sajita. He had been released on bail a few months prior to the January 27th double murder of Sajita’s husband, Sudhakaran, and her mother, Lakshmi.
First Piper 