Kerala teacher murder case: Female relative sentenced to life and 15-year additional jail term

Alappuzha (Kerala): The court has delivered a severe sentence to the accused in the murder of retired teacher Eliyamma, a case that shocked Thumpoly in 2010. The Alappuzha Additional Sessions Court sentenced Frilly Francis, a relative of Eliyamma, to life imprisonment alongside a combined 15 years of additional imprisonment under various sections. A fine of ₹75,000 was also imposed.

The incident occurred on August 12, 2010. Eliyamma was alone at home as her husband and children were away at their workplaces. Taking advantage of the situation, Frilly arrived at the house, threw chilli powder in the teacher's face, and murdered her by slitting the veins in her neck and wrists. After ensuring her death, the accused made off with nearly nine sovereigns of gold jewellery worn by the victim.

Following the murder, the accused misled the police during questioning by trying to shift suspicion onto Tamil nomads. However, a fingerprint retrieved from the back door of the residence proved crucial in implicating the suspect. The police also traced the sale of the stolen jewellery by Frilly.

Observing that all charges framed against the accused were proven beyond doubt, the court delivered its verdict following a lengthy trial.