10 People Sentenced to Life Imprisonment in the 2008 Koothankuzhi Murder Case

In connection with the 2008 Koothankuzhi incident, where a tragic murder took place following a dispute related to a cricket match in Koothankuzhi village, a verdict was delivered today (17.06.2025) by the Ninth Additional Sessions Court in Tirunelveli.

The judgment was pronounced by Judge Mr. Robinson George.

Out of 19 accused individuals involved in the case, 3 had died during the course of the trial. Of the remaining 16, charges were formally framed, and after a thorough trial, 10 of them were found guilty and sentenced to life imprisonment along with a fine of ₹1,000 each. The other 6 accused were acquitted.

List of individuals sentenced to life imprisonment:

1. Anthi @ Rajendran @ Siluva Anbuthoni (68)
2. Baison @ Baish (40)
3. Simeresan @ Simbu (39)
4. John Paul @ Pachuvadiyan Paul (42)
5. Vimalath @ Vimal (42)
6. Sanjay @ Arul Soiyaraj (44)
7. Anton (41)
8. James (39)
9. Lamekbal (43)
10. Anbuthoni Lamekbal (39)

The case was diligently investigated and charge-sheeted by the Valliyoor Sub-Divisional Police Officer Mr. Gawinpadesh, and the investigation was carried out by Police Inspector Mr. Jayachandran (currently DSP/PEW). Officers from the Kudankulam Police Station and Tirunelveli District Police, including Additional Superintendent Mr. N. Simeresan, were actively involved in the investigation and prosecution of the case.

It is noteworthy that within the past six months of 2025 alone, 13 murder cases in Tirunelveli District have led to convictions. Of these, one person was sentenced to death, and 51 individuals have been sentenced to life imprisonment. Among those convicted, 14 were identified as habitual offenders with prior criminal records.

The consistent efforts of the judiciary in ensuring witness appearance and delivering justice by sentencing the guilty are being followed up with appropriate legal action.

Issued by:
Director, Department of Information and Public Relations, Chennai – 9