India | Kerala Snakebite Murder: Convict Sent To 17 Years In Jail Followed By Double Life Imprisonment

A court in Kerala's Kollam District has awarded double life imprisonment to Sooraj S Kumar, who was found guilty of murdering his wife Uthra using a cobra.

The court which found the 27-year-old guilty on Monday on several counts sentenced him to 17 years in jail, which will be followed by double life imprisonment.

"According to the court, the accused will have to first serve 17 years and then only the double life imprisonment will come into force. So technically speaking unless the government gives the accused a remission, for the rest of his life he will have to be in jail," Public Prosecutor G Manoharan said.

He has also been fined Rs 5.5 lakhs for the shocking murder of his wife last year.

What happened?

Sooraj was arrested last year, days after his wife, 25-year-old Uthra was found dead inside her bedroom on May 7, 2020.

At the hospital, the reason for Uthra's death was declared as snakebite, but her parents suspected some foul play.

That was because a little over a month ago Uthra was bitten by a viper inside her husband's house and was still recovering from it.

Following a complaint by Uthra's parents, Sooraj was arrested and he confessed to killing her.

Made several attempts earlier

The probe also revealed that Sooraj had made several attempts earlier using snakes to kill Uthara.

Sooraj had purchased two snakes, a poisonous viper for Rs 10,000, and a cobra for Rs 10,000 from a local snake catcher called Suresh.

This was the first case in Kerala where a live snake was used as a murder weapon.

Given the nature of the crime, many including Uthra's parents had hoped that Sooraj would be awarded the death penalty.

Public Prosecutor said the one reason which went in favour for the accused was the consideration given by the court on his age and a chance for repentance and had no track record of a criminal.

Reacting to the verdict, Manimeghala, the mother of Uthara said they are disappointed by the verdict as they wished capital punishment for the accused.

"These are the flaws of the judiciary as there are loopholes. People get away using those loopholes. Had the extreme punishment given, it would have acted as a deterrent for others to desist from doing crimes. We will go in appeal," said the grieving mother.

Source: indiatimes.com, Bobins Abraham, October 13, 2021

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