Hundreds on Tuesday paid their last respects to Sudhakaran (50) and his mother Lakshmi (68), victims of the Nenmara double murder. The bodies were brought to their residence at Pothundi for public viewing around 2 pm after post-mortem procedures. 

The murders, carried out on Monday by their neighbour Chenthamara (58), were allegedly an act of premeditated revenge. Following the incident, police intensified their search for the accused, dividing the search into four teams and enlisting local assistance. Despite these efforts, no leads have been found, and the investigation has shifted focus to the forests and hills of Nelliyampathy.  

Chenthamara’s brother, Radha, was taken into custody for questioning, but his statements provided no substantial information. Meanwhile, the police have come under heavy criticism for their failure to act on repeated complaints from Sudhakaran and his daughter Akhila about threats from the accused.  

In 2019, Chenthamara murdered Sudhakaran’s wife, Sajitha, in Boyan Colony, Pothundi. The trial for that case was set to begin next month. However, after being released on interim bail from Viyyur Jail, Chenthamara allegedly continued to issue threats. Complaints by Sudhakaran and Akhila, along with concerns raised by locals, were reportedly ignored by the police. When summoned, Chenthamara refused to appear at the station, and the police let him go after a warning instead of taking firm action.  

In response to the alleged police negligence, the Congress party has announced a protest march to the police station, demanding accountability and justice for the victims.