Double Murderer Chenthamara Sentenced to Death in Palakkad 'Rarest of Rare' Case

Palakkad, Kerala, In a landmark decision, Chenthamara, the lone convict in the horrific Pothundy twin murder case, has been sentenced to death by hanging. The Additional District and Sessions Court-IV in Palakkad, presided over by Judge Kenneth George, on Monday (July 20, 2026), declared the crime to fall under the "rarest of rare" category, mandating the severest penalty.

The court also imposed a hefty fine of ₹20 lakh, stipulating that this amount be paid to the orphaned daughters of the victims. Recognizing Chenthamara's lack of financial means, the court directed the State to ensure the compensation reaches the children, highlighting the gravity of the loss and suffering inflicted.

Chenthamara, aged 61, was found guilty of the brutal murders of 50-year-old Sudhakaran and his 75-year-old mother, Lakshmi. The pair were hacked to death at their residence in Boyan Colony, Pothundy, near Nenmara, on January 27, 2025.

During the sentencing, the prosecution successfully argued that the murders were premeditated and that Chenthamara represented a continuous threat to society. The court concurred, emphasizing the convict's chilling "lack of remorse" and his consistent attempts to justify the killings throughout the trial. Chenthamara's own statement, "I am not Gandhi," and his threats against the victims' family further solidified the court's stance.

The defence's arguments, including claims of psychological distress warranting a lesser sentence and the possibility of reform, were meticulously reviewed and ultimately rejected by the court. It was found that Chenthamara was mentally stable, and his assertions of consuming poison post-crime were dismissed as baseless.

This verdict aims to deliver justice for a crime that shocked the community and serves as a firm statement against such heinous acts.

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