Pothundy chargesheet relies on eyewitness and DNA evidence

Police have filed a chargesheet in the Pothundy twin murder case, which occurred on January 27. The document is 480 pages long and was submitted to the Judicial First Class Magistrate Court in Alathur on the 57th day after the incident. The chargesheet relies heavily on the testimony of a single eyewitness named Sudheesh. He claims to have seen the murder of Lakshmi take place. The case includes statements from 132 witnesses and over 30 pieces of scientific evidence. Forensic evidence connects the machete used in the murder to the victims, Lakshmi and her son Sudhakaran. DNA traces were found on the weapon's handle that match the accused, Chenthamara. Bloodstains found on Chenthamara's clothing also belong to the victims, providing further proof. According to the chargesheet, Chenthamara had a long-standing grudge against Sudhakaran's family. He planned to kill Sudhakaran but ended up killing Lakshmi when she intervened. Police indicated that Chenthamara showed no signs of mental illness. Chenthamara had previously been released on bail for another murder. In this case, he allegedly escaped into the hills after the killings but was captured by police when he returned for food on January 29. The police faced criticism for not acting on previous threats made against Chenthamara and for failing to enforce the bail conditions that prohibited him from returning home.