Sooraj S Kumar, who was found guilty of murdering his wife, 25-year-old Uthara using a cobra, has been sentenced to double life imprisonment by a trial court in Kollam, regional media reported on Wednesday.
He was found guilty of murder and the prosecution had asked for the death sentence. 27-year-old Sooraj S Kumar - a snake handler and wildlife expert - killed his wife Uthara using a cobra in their bedroom.
Media reports added that Sooraj would have to serve 10 years and 7 years consecutively on two charges before starting his double-life imprisonment sentence. He has also been fined Rs5,00,000 (Dh25,000).
Victim's mother reacts
Reacting to the verdict, Manimeghala, the mother of Uthara said they are disappointed by the verdict as they wished capital punishment for the accused.
“These are the flaws of the judiciary as there are loopholes. People get away using those loopholes. Had the extreme punishment given, it would have acted as a deterrent for others to desist from doing crimes. We will go in appeal,” said the grieving mother.
However, Public Prosecutor G. Manoharan said the one reason which went in favour for the accused was the consideration given by the court on his age and a chance for repentance and had no track record of a criminal.
“According to the court, the accused will have to first serve 17 years and then only the double life imprisonment will come into force. So technically speaking unless the government gives the accused a remission, for the rest of his life he will have to be in jail. If an appeal should be made, it will be taken up only after consulting with the government,” said the prosecutor.
However, Public Prosecutor G. Manoharan said the one reason which went in favour for the accused was the consideration given by the court on his age and a chance for repentance and had no track record of a criminal.
The case
On May 6, Sooraj came to Uthara’s house with a bag in which he carried the cobra. Uthara was killed by a snake bite inflicted while she was sleeping at her parental home in Anchal. When her mother tried to wake her in the morning, Uthara was found to be unconscious and a large cobra was found in the bedroom.
Later police investigations revealed that Sooraj had forced the cobra to bite his wife. This was his second attempt, it was found later. The first time he attempted this, Uthara had been hospitalised but survived the snake bite.
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