KOTTAYAM: Karimpanal George Kurian (Pappa - 52) was found guilty by the Sessions Court for shooting his brother and maternal uncle to death at the family house in Kanjirappally following a property dispute. The victims were George's younger brother Renju Kurian (50) and maternal uncle Mathew Scaria (Poochakkallil Raju - 78). The incident occurred on March 7, 2022. Arguments regarding sentencing will take place today.

The prosecution successfully proved charges of murder, illegal trespassing, threatening witnesses at gunpoint, and violations under the Arms Act. The accused had not received bail during the trial due to the timely submission of the charge sheet.

George Kurian used to live in Kochi and had been operating a real estate business. After facing financial losses, he demanded 2.33 acres of family land from his father to build and sell houses. However, Renju objected to this and suggested his father not to give more than 2 acres of land to George. He pointed out that transferring the entire land to George would turn the family property into a housing colony.

Following the dispute, George Kurian's uncle Mathew Scaria arranged a mediation talk between the two brothers at the family house. During the talks, George Kurian fired shots at his brother and uncle using his foreign-made revolver. The trial began on April 24, 2023, with the prosecution presenting 278 documents and 75 pieces of evidence, including the revolver. Special Public Prosecutor Adv. C. S. Ajayan, along with advocates Nibu John and Swathi S. Sivan, appeared for the prosecution.