PALAKKAD: The examination of witnesses in the Madhu murder case has been completed. There were a total of 127 witnesses in the case. While the charge sheet had contained information on 122 witnesses, five more were later added. Of these, 24 defected. 77 witnesses gave statements in favour of the prosecution. The court had exempted 24 people from questioning during the trial. With the prosecution completing the examination of witnesses, the next step is to question the accused.

The witness examination of the Madhu murder case was full of unusual circumstances. Witnesses, who had turned hostile in favor of the defense at the beginning of the witness examination, again testified in favor of the prosecution last month. The Attapadi SC/ST court also witnessed Madhu's mother Malli getting emotional while the defense counsel asked her questions. In addition, an unusual situation arose in which the Magistrate who conducted the magisterial inquiry in the case was examined.

With the witness examination complete, the questioning of the accused will begin immediately. The defense can present new evidence and witnesses in this situation. The cross-examination will begin after this. The verdict in the case is expected to be announced by April.