Jolly Joseph
Kozhikode: In a crucial turn of events, prosecution faced a major setback in the Koodathayi serial homicide cases as the presence of cyanide could not be spotted in the four dead bodies. The latest report of the National Forensic Science Laboratory came up as the trial of murder of Roy Thomas, husband of accused Jolly Joseph, is about to begin on March 6.
The chargesheet recorded that the prime accused Jolly used a dog poison- ‘Dog Kill’ to murder her mother-in-law Annamma Thomas and used cyanide to kill the other five victims. However, the forensic lab report recorded the presence of cyanide only in the mortal remains of Roy and Sily, who were killed last in the series.
The latest report of the forensic lab was prepared after examining the bodies of Annamma Thomas, Tom Thomas, Alphine Shaju and Mathew Manjadiyil. The bodies were exhumed by opening the graves in 2019, years after the murders.
The investigation team had found that Annamma was killed by serving mutton soup mixed with the dog poison, which Jolly bought from a veterinary hospital. Police have obtained the documents and other evidence proving this.
Meanwhile, the hearing of Jolly’s children, father and brother has been scheduled for March 6. In the initial phase, as many as 158 witnesses will be heard from March 6 to May 18. Police had recorded the arrest of the accused in the case in October 2019. Marad special additional sessions judge SR Shyamlal has decided to commence the trial.
Jolly has filed a petition in the Kerala High Court demanding to change the trial court. Another petition submitted by the accused to review the special court’s order scrapping her request to acquit her from the Roy Thomas murder case is also under the consideration of the High Court.
A jewellery owner MS Mathew (Shaji), goldsmith Prajikumar, and Manoj Kumar, who was accused of preparing a fake will are the other accused in the case.
The chargesheet noted that Jolly killed Roy Thomas by serving food mixed with cyanide to marry another person eyeing financial gains.
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