Nanthancode murder case: Verdict to be delivered today

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The verdict in the Nanthancode murder case, which shocked the conscience of Kerala, will be delivered today. The Thiruvananthapuram Additional Sessions court is set to pronounce the verdict in the case where Cadell Jeansen Raja is the sole accused in the murder of four people, including his parents and sister.

The final arguments in the case were completed on April 28. The verdict was initially scheduled for May 6, but was later postponed to May 8, and subsequently to today. The victims were Dr Raja Thankam, his wife Dr. Jean Padma, their daughter Dr Caroline and Jean Padma's relative Lalitha. Cadell murdered them all over the course of two days.

A medical graduate, Cadell committed the murders after being influenced by astral projection. The incident took place on April 9, 2017. While studying medicine abroad, Cadell became fascinated with astral projection. Before committing the murders, he served food laced with pesticides to his parents, sister and relative.

After they fell ill and vomited, he hacked them to death and set the bodies on fire inside the house. The axe used for the murders was purchased online. After the incident, Cadell went to Chennai but was arrested at Thampanoor railway station when he returned upon seeing his photo in the newspapers. His plea to be acquitted on the grounds of mental illness was rejected by the court. The trial proceeded after a medical board certified that the accused was mentally sound.