KETTERING MAN JAILED FOR LIFE AFTER MURDERING WIFE AND CHILDREN
A father named Saju Chelavalel has been convicted of the horrific murder of his wife, Anju Asok, and their two young children, Jeeva Saju and Janvi Saju.The incident occurred in their family home in Kettering, where Chelavalel admitted to killing his wife at around 22:00 GMT on 14 December 2022, after falsely believing she was having an affair.
He claimed he lost control while intoxicated.
The court heard that Chelavalel had over four hours before he strangled his children in the early hours of the following morning, using a dressing gown cord.
Post-mortem reports confirmed all three victims died of asphyxiation.
The judge described how Chelavalel 'squeezed the life out' of his wife as the children reportedly cried for their mother.
During the incident, police were called after a neighbour raised concerns, and officers found Chelavalel holding a knife to his throat, asking to be shot, before being Tased.
The bodies of the victims were found laying on the bed, side-by-side, when police entered the flat.
Chelavalel later admitted to the murders in court.
Prosecutor James Newton-Price stated there was no evidence to support the claim that Ms.
Asok was unfaithful; however, his phone revealed searches on dating sites and an audio recording on his device, believed to be of his wife being strangled.
Chelavalel pleaded guilty to murder and was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 40 years.
The court also prohibited him from contacting the victims' family members.
The sentencing reflects the tragic and horrific nature of the crime, with police and family members deeply affected by the event.
