In a landmark ruling, Cadell Jeansen Raja, aged 37, was sentenced to life imprisonment by the Thiruvananthapuram Additional District and Sessions Court VI on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, for the gruesome murders of his parents, sister, and aunt at Nanthancode in 2017. The court found him guilty of multiple charges, including murder, arson, and the destruction of evidence.
The prosecution detailed the shocking events of the 2017 murders, where Raja brutally killed his family members before attempting to cover up his crimes. Judge Vishnu K. convicted Raja under Section 302 (murder), Section 436 (mischief by fire or explosive substance with intent to destroy house), and Section 201 (causing disappearance of evidence) of the Indian Penal Code.
Life Imprisonment and Compensation
In addition to life imprisonment, the court imposed a fine of ₹15 lakh on Raja. If the fine is recovered, the amount will be paid as compensation to his uncle, Jose, who was the primary witness in the case. The court recognized the emotional and psychological toll the case had taken on Jose, who had to witness the horrific acts and later provide crucial testimony during the trial.
Raja’s brutal actions, which shocked the small community of Nanthancode, were initially believed to be an isolated incident. However, as the investigation progressed, it became clear that the murders were part of a premeditated plan orchestrated by the accused. The court also took into consideration the severity of the crime, emphasizing the brutality of the killings and the subsequent attempts to destroy evidence and mislead investigators.
The Path to Justice
The case has been one of the most closely followed in Kerala, with widespread media coverage and public interest. The investigation, led by the Kerala Police, involved meticulous work to piece together the timeline of events and the motives behind the killings. The court’s decision has been met with mixed reactions, with many calling it a landmark ruling in the pursuit of justice for the victims.
The prosecution highlighted Raja’s lack of remorse throughout the trial, and the defense had little to offer in terms of a mitigating argument. His actions, which included setting fire to the family home, were seen as attempts to destroy evidence and further delay justice.
A Grief-Stricken Family
The murder of Raja’s parents, sister, and aunt left a deep scar on the community of Nanthancode. The victims were well-respected individuals, and their untimely deaths caused an outpouring of grief from friends, relatives, and neighbors. The case also drew attention to the complex nature of familial disputes and the lengths some individuals may go to in order to resolve them, even at the cost of innocent lives.
As the sentence was handed down, the victims’ families expressed a sense of closure, though the pain of their loss remains insurmountable. The court’s decision is expected to send a strong message about the consequences of such heinous acts, particularly when committed within the family.