The trial in the Elanthur, Pathanamthitta human casualties case began at the Ernakulam Additional Sessions Court on Monday.
The case relates to the alleged murder of Padma, a native of Dharmapuri in Tamil Nadu. Padma’s younger sister Palaniamma, who is the first witness in the case, was examined that day. Padma’s son Selvaraj will be examined on Tuesday.
The first three accused – Mohammed Shafi of Perumbavoor, Bhagaval Singh, an Ayurvedic practitioner from Elanthoor, and his wife Laila – were brought before the court. They were lodged in the high-security Viyyur jail and were shifted to the Kakkanad district jail for court on Sunday.
Palaniamma arrived in court with a translator but informed the court that she could speak in Malayalam. The court then allowed her to testify in Malayalam.
Two women were allegedly murdered as part of occult rituals. The murder trial of Rosila, a native of Vadakkanchera, will begin next week.
According to the prosecution, Padma and Rosily were lured to Bhagaval Singh and Laila’s house in Elanthoor and killed. After Padma was allegedly murdered, her body was dismembered and buried in Bhagaval Singh’s property. Rosily’s skeletal remains have been found. The bodies were identified by DNA testing.
Charges against the accused include murder, rape, conspiracy, kidnapping, destruction of evidence, theft and disrespect for human remains.
The alleged double murder took place in 2022. The three accused were arrested on October 11 of that year. The case is being heard by Justice T. Madhusoodanan. Special Public Prosecutor V. Ajakumar appeared for the prosecution.
Published – March 9, 2026 8:55 PM IST
