Palakkad: Additional Sessions court in Palakkad awarded life imprisonment and a fine of Rs 50,000 each to the first and second accused in the sensational honor killing of Aneesh (27) that took place on December 25, 2020, at Thenkurissi
Additional Sessions Court Judge R Vinayaka Rao gave life sentences to Suresh and Prabhu Kumar of Elamandam, the uncle and father of Haritha, the wife of deceased Aneesh. On Friday, the court found the two accused guilty of murdering Aneesh. The court heard statements from at least 59 witnesses in the case. Both the prosecution and Haritha had initially demanded death penalties for the accused. However, the prosecution was unable to establish the murder as a result of conspiracy. The hearing began on July 20, 2020.
Aneesh, who belonged to a lower caste, had married Haritha in 2020, after years of their relationship. This triggered anger in her family, who belonged to an upper caste and Prabhu Kumar resisted her daughter marrying Aneesh, who was a painter. The shocking murder occurred on the 88th day of their marriage. Kumar and his brother-in-law murdered Aneesh by attacking him with an iron rod and a long blade on Christmas Day of 2020 when he was returning from work. He died on the way to the hospital.
Haritha expresses disappointment with verdict
After the proceedings, Haritha expressed her dissatisfaction with the court’s decision, urging the state government to appeal for a harsher sentence. “I am not satisfied with this verdict,” she told the media.
“The accused should receive the death penalty.” Haritha also revealed facing threats aimed at discouraging her from testifying against her father and uncle. “I was threatened with death if I spoke against them,” she said. “Is this truly the punishment they deserve for committing murder?”
Aneesh’s family has decided to approach the High court demanding death penalty for the accused in the murder of their son.
