The Kerala High Court has delivered a significant verdict, acquitting S Perumal of Tiruvannamalai in Tamil Nadu, who was the sole accused in the 2015 Jayalakshmi murder case that occurred at Kakkanad in Kochi. This ruling sets aside the trial court's earlier order that had convicted Perumal and sentenced him to life imprisonment along with a fine.
Background of the Case
According to the prosecution, S Perumal and Jayalakshmi, both hailing from Tiruvannamalai district in Tamil Nadu, had developed a romantic relationship. The deceased allegedly eloped with Perumal, and the couple moved to Vazhakkala in Kakkanad, where they resided in a rented house. The tragic incident took place on July 1, 2015, around 2 pm, in the compound of the Recca Valley Club at Kakkanad.
Allegations and Arrest
The prosecution alleged that Perumal murdered Jayalakshmi by hacking her on the neck with a chopper. Furthermore, it was claimed that he hid her body in the bushes in an attempt to destroy evidence. Following the murder, Perumal reportedly absconded for approximately two years before being arrested in Tirupati in 2017. After a thorough trial, the additional sessions court II in North Paravur convicted him and imposed a life sentence with a fine.
High Court's Decision
The bench of Justices V Raja Vijayaraghavan and K V Jayakumar delivered the order while allowing Perumal's appeal, which challenged his conviction and sentence. During the hearing of the appeal, the division bench made a critical observation regarding the prosecution's case.
Key Findings by the Court
The court noted that the prosecution had failed to establish a clear motive for the crime. The available evidence indicated that Perumal and Jayalakshmi were living a peaceful life together, with no substantial proof showing what prompted him to take the life of his live-in partner. Based on this assessment, the court concluded that the evidence presented by the prosecution was insufficient to sustain a conviction.
Accordingly, the High Court allowed the appeal, acquitting S Perumal and overturning the previous judgment. This decision highlights the importance of establishing a strong motive and concrete evidence in criminal cases to ensure justice is served accurately.
