Cadell gets life term for brutal murder of family

Convicted of murdering four members of his family at Nanthancode in 2017 Four life imprisonments shall run concurrently Imposed a fine of Rs 15 lakh

- EXPRESS NEWS SERVICE @T'Puram

THE Sixth Additional Sessions Court on Tuesday sentenced Cadell Jeanson Raja, 37, to four life imprisonments in addition to 12 years' in jail and imposed a fine of Rs 15 lakh for the brutal 2017 Nanthancode mass murder, which claimed four lives of his own family members.

Pronouncing the quantum of punishment earlier in the day, Judge K Vishnu said the four life imprisonments shall run concurrently.

The court directed that the fine amount be given to Jose Sundaram, the prime witness in the case and the brother of Jean Padma, one of the victims. Jose, who is currently wheelchair-bound, will receive compensation from the fine imposed under various charges.

Cadell was convicted under four counts of Section 302 (murder), with each count carrying a life sentence and a fine of Rs 3 lakh-totalling Rs 12 lakh. He also received seven years of imprisonment and a fine of Rs 2 lakh under Section 436 (mischief by fire or explosive substance), and five years with a fine of Rs 1 lakh under Section 201 (causing disappearance of evidence).

The court ruled that, in addition to life imprisonments, Cadell will face an additional 12 years of imprisonment for setting the house on fire and destroying evidence. The 12-year sentence should be served before the commencement of the life imprisonment.

During sentencing, the prosecution demanded capital punishment, arguing that the crime fell under the 'rarest of the rare' category. However, the defence pleaded for leniency, citing Cadell's age and psychological state.

"Though it is a life sentence, the punishment awarded requires a longer period of imprisonment. The life sentence will begin only after he serves an initial 12-year term, meaning Cadell will have to remain in jail for around 30 years. Even after that without a state commutation, he has to remain in jail," said public prosecutor Dileep Sathyan.