Palakkad, Kerala: A massive manhunt is underway in the Nelliampathi hills to track down Chenthamara, the prime suspect in the brutal murders of a man and his mother in Nenmara. The search operation involves over a hundred police officers and local residents.

On Monday, Chenthamara (58) attacked Nenmara natives Sudhakaran (50) and his mother Lakshmi (68). Sudhakaran died on the spot, while Lakshmi succumbed to her injuries en route to the hospital. Following the incident, he went into hiding. 

Chenthamara is believed to have killed Sudhakaran and Lakshmi due to long-held grudges. He was earlier accused in the murder of Sudhakaran's wife, Sajitha, in 2019.

He had blamed Sajitha for casting a spell on him, which he believed caused his personal and family troubles. Despite being released on bail, Chenthamara violated the conditions by returning to Pothundy, where he killed Sudhakaran and Lakshmi.

The police had requested that Chenthamara be prohibited from entering the Nenmara police station area, but the court only restricted him from entering the Nenmara Grama Panchayat. On December 29th, he returned home, violating the court's order. He had also threatened Sudhakaran’s family and some neighbours, and the police were informed, but the delay in reporting the bail violation has raised concerns.

Eyewitnesses reported seeing Chenthamara around Palakkad town on Tuesday. The family has blamed the delay in revoking his bail for the tragic deaths of Sudhakaran and Lakshmi.