Tue Oct 14 08:30:45 UTC 2025: ## News Article: Palakkad Court Convicts Man in 2019 Murder, Awaits Trial in Twin Killing Case
**Palakkad, Kerala – October 14, 2025:** The Palakkad Additional District and Sessions Court-IV today convicted Chenthamara in the 2019 murder of his neighbor, Sajita, in a case that shocked the community. Judge Kenneth George ruled that all charges against Chenthamara, including murder, destruction of evidence, and house trespass, were proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
The conviction stems from the August 31, 2019, incident in which Chenthamara, suspecting Sajita of contributing to his wife’s desertion, brutally murdered her with a machete while she was alone at her home. He fled into the Nelliyampathy forests following the gruesome act.
The sentencing is scheduled for Thursday, October 16, 2025. When asked for a statement by the judge, Chenthamara remained silent, displaying a calm and indifferent demeanor throughout the proceedings.
This conviction comes amidst the ongoing fallout from a later, even more disturbing event. While out on bail for the Sajita murder, Chenthamara committed a double homicide on January 27, 2025, replicating his earlier crime by hacking Sudhakaran, Sajita’s husband, and his mother, Lakshmi, to death. These “Pothundy twin murders” sparked public outrage and criticism directed towards the police for failing to prevent the killings.
Sajita’s daughters, Atulya and Akhila, were present in court for today’s verdict. They have previously expressed serious safety concerns if Chenthamara was released on bail and called for the harshest possible penalty.
Following today’s verdict, the court is expected to promptly begin the trial related to the twin murder case against Chenthamara. The outcome of that trial is anticipated to be closely followed throughout Kerala.
First Piper 