Pothundi double murder: Convict says 'I'd kill again' in Kerala court
Synopsis
Moments after being convicted for a brutal double murder in Kerala's Pothundi, Chenthamara told the court he would kill again and compared himself unfavourably to Gandhi — not out of shame, but defiance. With a prior double-life-imprisonment sentence already on record and an alleged hit list of seven people, the case lays bare the consequences of bail decisions in violent-offender cases.
Key Takeaways
Chenthamara was convicted by the Palakkad Additional Sessions Court on 13 July for the Pothundi double murder of Sudhakaran and his 75-year-old mother Lakshmi .
The convict told the court: 'I would eliminate more people.
I am not Gandhiji' — showing no remorse after the verdict.
Sentencing is scheduled for Wednesday ; the victim's family and key witness Pushpa are demanding the death penalty .
The murders on 27 January 2025 were an act of revenge; Chenthamara had previously been convicted of killing neighbour Sajitha in 2019 and was serving double life imprisonment before being granted bail in 2022 .
Investigators allege the hit list included seven people — among them his estranged wife, daughter, and a police officer son-in-law.
The prosecution's 480-page chargesheet drew on forensic evidence and 132 witnesses , four of whom turned hostile.
A convicted murderer sent shockwaves through a Kerala courtroom on Monday, 13 July, when he declared he would kill again — even after being found guilty in the Pothundi double murder case. The Palakkad Additional Sessions Court convicted Chenthamara for the murders of Sudhakaran and his 75-year-old mother Lakshmi, killed at Pothundi in Palakkad district on 27 January 2025. Sentencing is scheduled for Wednesday.
What Chenthamara Said in Court
When the presiding judge asked whether he had anything to say before sentencing, Chenthamara showed no remorse. 'Hang me if you want. I don't mind. If necessary, I would eliminate more people. I am not Gandhiji,' he told the court. He went on to justify his actions, stating that had the judge endured what he had experienced, 'you too might have done what I did,' before adding, 'Award whatever punishment you think fit.'
Background: A Vendetta Years in the Making
The roots of the Pothundi killings stretch back to 2019, when Chenthamara hacked his neighbour Sajitha to death, blaming her for the breakdown of his marriage. Convicted in that case and sentenced to double life imprisonment, he was released on bail in 2022. According to the prosecution, he violated his bail conditions and secretly returned to Pothundi to exact further revenge. Armed with a billhook procured in advance, he allegedly hacked Sudhakaran to death outside his home. Lakshmi, who rushed out after hearing her son's cries, was also fatally attacked. Chenthamara subsequently fled into the nearby Mattayi forest, where police arrested him following an intensive two-day search.
Scope of the Alleged Plan
Investigators revealed that the double murder was reportedly only part of a larger scheme. The alleged hit list included Chenthamara's estranged wife, daughter, police officer son-in-law, brother-in-law, and three other women from the locality. The prosecution's 480-page chargesheet, backed by forensic and scientific evidence, proved decisive even though four of the 132 witnesses turned hostile during the trial.
Victims' Family and Witnesses Demand Death Penalty
Outside the court, Sudhakaran's family renewed their demand for the death penalty, saying they continue to live in fear. Key witness Pushpa told reporters that she and her family have been living in Tamil Nadu for the past 15 months out of fear for their lives. 'He should be hanged to death,' she said. The family maintained that nothing less than capital punishment would deliver justice for a crime that horrified Kerala.
What Happens Next
The Palakkad Additional Sessions Court will pronounce the sentence on Wednesday. Given the nature of the crime, the prior conviction, and Chenthamara's unrepentant stance in court, the prosecution is widely expected to press for the death penalty. The case has reignited debate in Kerala over bail conditions for those convicted of violent offences.
Point of View
A key witness in exile in Tamil Nadu for 15 months — these are not incidental details; they are the human cost of systemic failure that the sentence alone cannot undo.
NationPress
13 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Chenthamara and what was he convicted for?
Chenthamara is a Kerala man convicted by the Palakkad Additional Sessions Court on 13 July for the murders of Sudhakaran and his 75-year-old mother Lakshmi at Pothundi in Palakkad district on 27 January 2025. He had previously been convicted of killing his neighbour Sajitha in 2019 and was released on bail in 2022 before allegedly committing the second set of murders.
What did Chenthamara say after his conviction?
After being found guilty, Chenthamara told the court he had no remorse and would kill again, saying: 'Hang me if you want. I don't mind. If necessary, I would eliminate more people. I am not Gandhiji.' He also told the judge that anyone who had gone through what he had might have done the same.
When will Chenthamara be sentenced?
The Palakkad Additional Sessions Court is scheduled to pronounce the sentence on Wednesday, two days after the conviction on 13 July. The victim's family and key witnesses have publicly demanded the death penalty.
What was the motive behind the Pothundi double murder?
The killings were driven by a personal vendetta. Chenthamara blamed his neighbour Sajitha for the breakdown of his marriage and killed her in 2019. After being convicted and later released on bail in 2022, he allegedly returned to Pothundi in violation of bail conditions to kill Sudhakaran and Lakshmi, who were reportedly connected to his grievances.
How extensive was the alleged plan?
Investigators allege the Pothundi double murder was only part of a larger scheme. The alleged hit list included seven people: Chenthamara's estranged wife, daughter, police officer son-in-law, brother-in-law, and three other women from the locality.
