Thiruvananthapuram Court Convicts Cadell Jeanson Raja in Nanthancode Quadruple Murder Case
Thiruvananthapuram, May 12 – In a significant development in one of Kerala's most shocking criminal cases, a court in Thiruvananthapuram on Monday convicted a man for the brutal murder of four members of his own family, including his parents and sister, nearly eight years ago.The Additional Sessions Court-VI in Thiruvananthapuram pronounced Cadell Jeanson Raja guilty of the gruesome killings that took place on April 9, 2017, at the family’s residence in Nanthancode, near the Chief Minister's official home.
Victims Included Parents, sisters, and relatives
The victims were identified as Professor A Raja Thankam, his wife, Dr Jean Padma (58), their daughter, Caroline (26), and a 70-year-old relative named Lalitha. All four were found murdered in their home located in the Baines Compound.Convict Claimed Belief in Astral Projection
During the investigation, Raja claimed to believe in parapsychology and astral projection, suggesting these beliefs influenced his actions. However, the prosecution rejected this explanation, arguing it was a ploy to escape punishment.According to police, the initial motive was to kill his father, whom he accused of longstanding neglect. The murders of the other three victims followed as part of his calculated spree.
Arrest and Sentencing
Raja was taken into custody two days after the incident and has remained in police custody ever since. The court has scheduled the sentencing hearing for Tuesday, which will determine the punishment for the convicted man.This case has remained one of the most disturbing in Kerala’s recent criminal history due to the nature of the crime and the familial ties involved.