The prosecution submitted that hatred towards Christianity prompted the accused Raghu Kumar of Irumbanam to murder Fr Job Chittilappally of Our Lady of Grace (Varaprasada Matha) Catholic Church at Thuruthiparambu.
An issue related to a temple led to the turn of events. One of the witnesses stated that Vellumbullikavu temple is adjacent to the church and there was an issue regarding playing of recordings in the church in the morning alleging that it caused hindrance to the poojas.
The court pointed out that several developments at Thuruthiparambu involving the church and temple men considerably influenced the ignorant and immature mind of the accused in doing away with the vicar of the church.
Counsel for the petitioner argued that a larger conspiracy with involvement of others in committing the offence could not be ruled out. However, the court said that polygraph, brain mapping and narco analysis test of the accused and others had ruled out the role of any one else in any conspiracy. “Circumstances are clear and convincing.’’
CBI prosecutor V N Anil Kumar submitted that the vicar was praying and walking up and down the verandah. Meanwhile, the accused trespassed the church compound and came behind the father. When the father turned, Raghu stabbed him in his stomach and other spots over and over, the prosecution said.