The Additional Sessions Court II, Kottayam, on Saturday sentenced 52-year-old George Kurian to double life imprisonment in the Kanjirappally twin murder case, along with an additional term sentence of eight years and three months.
Pronouncing the quantum of punishment, Justice J. Nazar also imposed a fine of ₹20 lakh on the convict, directing that the amount be paid to the wife and four minor children of Renju Kurian, one of the victims. The life sentences will commence upon completion of the term sentence.
Prior to the sentencing, George had requested the court to exempt him from punishment, citing his responsibility to care for his aged mother and family.
The incident
The crime occurred on March 7, 2022, when George unlawfully entered the Karimbanal family house and fatally shot his younger brother, Renju, and his uncle, Mathew Scaria. According to the prosecution, the convict arrived at the scene with 50 bullets and a gun concealed in a bag. After confirming that his brother and uncle were inside the house, he drove there and stormed in, shooting indiscriminately.
He first shot Renju in the heart, and when Renju tried to escape, shot him again from behind. He then turned to Mathew, who had already been shot in the chest, and fired a final shot into his forehead, ensuring his death.
After committing the murders, George exited the house, brandished the gun at the onlookers, including the maid at the house, and threatened them before chasingthem away.The crime, shocking in its brutality, drew widespread media attention at the time.
The trial, which began on April 24, 2023, lasted one and a half years. The prosecution presented 76 witnesses, submitted 278 documents, and introduced 75 material objects as evidence. Among these, a personal chat between George and his sister in Bengaluru proved pivotal in establishing the premeditation and preparation for the crime.
Despite several family members and friends of the accused, including his mother and sister, turning hostile during the trial, eyewitness accounts strongly supported the prosecution’s case.
Special public prosecutor C.S. Ajayan, alongside lawyers Nibu John and Swathy S. Sivan, represented the prosecution.
Published – December 21, 2024 06:28 pm IST