PALAKKAD: Police and locals have intensified the search in Pothundi to find Chenthamara, the accused in the Nenmara double murder case. The police started the search in the region after receiving information that Chenthamara was spotted by the locals near the Mattayi temple in Pothundi. The accused was reportedly spotted by a group of young men sitting on the temple grounds. Upon realizing he had been recognized, Chenthamara fled the area. Children also claimed to have seen him running away under the light of a mobile phone.

Over a hundred locals, along with the police, conducted a thorough search of the area. Alathur DySP confirmed that the person seen was indeed Chenthamara. It is believed that he may have come to the area to visit a relative who has a house in Mattayi. Searches were conducted, including at the local panchayat water reservoir and nearby forested areas. The day’s investigation concluded without success, but searches will resume the following day.

Meanwhile, in a related development, the SHO of Nenmara was suspended following allegations of lapses in the double murder investigation. The suspension was ordered by the North Zone IG. The SHO, Mahendra Simhan, was suspended for failing to inform the court about Chenthamara's violation of bail conditions. According to a report submitted by Palakkad SP Ajith Kumar to ADGP Manoj Abraham, Chenthamara had stayed in Nenmara for over a month.