Ajin, accused in Kavitha murder case, awarded life imprisonment, Rs 5 lakh fine imposed

PATHANAMTHITTA: The court awarded life imprisonment to Ajin Reji Mathew (24) for stabbing and setting on fire a 19-year-old girl in Thiruvalla for rejecting love. A fine of Rs 5 lakh has also been imposed on him. He was found guilty in the murder case of Kavitha of Ayroor in Pathanamthitta. The quantum of sentence was pronounced by the additional district court. The court had earlier found him guilty in the case. The court lauded the investigating officials and the prosecution while delivering the verdict.

The incident happened on March 12, 2019. Ajin in a fit of rage stopped and attacked his classmate Kavitha for backing out from their relationship. CCTV footage of the incident has also emerged. On the pretext of talking, he stopped her and then doused her with petrol and set her on fire.

The locals rushed, doused the flames and took her to the hospital, but her life could not be saved. Kavitha, who was seriously burned, died the next day. Kavitha was a radiology student at a private institution in Thiruvalla. Both were classmates in vocational higher secondary. The accused told police that he attacked her for ending their relationship. The CCTV footage of the attack was also key evidence against the accused.

Ajin came with the intention of killing her. He had three bottles of petrol, rope and a knife in his bag. Ajin came after Kavitha, who was walking after getting off the bus, and then stood in front of her blocking her way and then stabbed her with the knife. He then poured petrol on her and set her on fire. The locals who saw this doused the flames and took Kavitha to the hospital. Ajin had planned to commit suicide after killing Kavitha. However, the police arrested him on the same day. A charge sheet was also filed quickly.