KOTTAYAM: Adakka Raju, an ex-thief whose statement proved crucial in the 1992 Sister Abhaya murder case, has been receiving a number of 'donations' from natives as a token of love. Raju has received around Rs 15 lakh in his bank account till last day. He was left wonderstruck when he saw lakhs in his account when he attempted to withdraw a small amount from his account for Christmas celebrations.

Raju was offered crores of rupees for changing his statements during the trial. Some of the investigating officials even assaulted him and tried to frame him for murdering the nun. However, he remained firm and maintained that he saw Fr Thomas MKottoor and Jose Poothrikkayil climbing the stairway at the rear side of the convent on the night the crime was committed.

Soon after the verdict was pronounced, several media reported about the financial struggles of Raju and his family. They had also given his bank account number along with the reports.

His two daughters got married without the consent of the family. Raju is now happy as his daughters have returned to his home after seeing the news reports about him. Yet he says, "I don't want any money. I am happy that the child got justice. The culprits have been punished. The joy of being responsible for it is enough."