Nanthancode astral projection massacre; Cadell Jeansen Raja's sentence to be announced today

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The verdict of Cadell Jeansen Raja, who hacked to death and set ablaze four people, including his parents and sister, will be announced today. Dr Raja Thankam (70), his wife Dr Jean Padma (58), daughter Dr Caroline(25) and Jean Padma's relative Lalitha(70) were killed in the Banes Compound near Cliff House in Nanthancodu. The case is being heard by the Sixth Additional Sessions Court.

Cadell Jeansen Raja, an MBBS graduate, committed the crime out of fascination with astral projection. The incident took place on April 9, 2017. Cadell became fascinated with astral projection while studying medicine abroad. Before the murder, the accused had fed his parents, sister and relative food laced with pesticides. They vomited and fainted after eating. After that, Cadell hacked them to death and set them on fire in their house. Cadell bought the axe used in the murder online.

Cadell Jeansen Raja, who had gone to Chennai after the incident, was arrested when he returned to Thampanoor railway station after his picture appeared in the newspapers. The court had rejected the accused's plea to be acquitted on the grounds of mental illness. The case was taken up for trial after the medical board certified that the accused was mentally healthy.