In a significant judgment, the Neyyattinkara Additional Sessions Court in Kerala sentenced three individuals to death for the robbery and murder of a 71-year-old woman, Shanthakumari. The convicted individuals include Rafeeka Beevi, her son Shafeeq, and her friend Al Ameen. This case has drawn attention due to the brutal nature of the crime and the court’s strong condemnation of the perpetrators as “psychopathic killers” and a “threat to society.”
Details of the Crime
The incident took place in January 2022 near Vizhinjam, Thiruvananthapuram. Shanthakumari was found murdered in her home, with her body hidden in the loft. The accused were motivated by the intent to steal her gold ornaments. The crime was discovered when blood stains were noticed by neighbors, leading to the involvement of the police who later arrested the accused while they were attempting to flee.
During the investigation, it was revealed that the trio were repeat offenders, with an ongoing case involving the murder of a 14-year-old girl near Kovalam【277†source】【278†source】.
Court’s Rationale
The court emphasized the heinous nature of the crime and the calculated manner in which it was executed. The sentencing aims to serve as a deterrent to similar crimes and underscores the judicial system’s commitment to ensuring justice for victims of such brutal acts.