Thiruvananthapuram: Honour killing of wife earns man life in jail

Thiruvananthapuram: A court has handed rigorous life imprisonment and a fine of Rs 2 lakh to a 52-year old Neyyattinkara man for killing his wife to 'protect honour'.

Valsalan of Mambazhakkara murdered his wife Esther on November 4, 2011, for joining the Pentecostal church. Valsalan, who was an NRK, was a Roman Catholic.

Thiruvananthapuram district and sessions judge P. N. Seetha ordered to give the money to the three children of the couple. In case of default, he will have to spend one more year in jail.

Public prosecutor M. Salahudeen, who appeared for the prosecution, said that though there was no eyewitness, the case could be solved with the help of strong scientific evidence.

The statement of his children that Valsalan threatened to kill their mother several times became crucial.

A neighbour also stated to the police that she had heard Esthar yelling as he walked out of the house.

Moreover, bloodstains were recovered from a machete used for the murder.