Archive · 2 Jul 2025
Malayalam Actress Rani Padmini Murdered with Mother in 1986
Rani Padmini, a young actress, and her mother were tragically murdered.
They were about to buy a new house when the killers, their own house staff, attacked them.
The staff, including a driver, watchman, and cook, wanted to steal their money and jewelry.
The police caught the killers, and they were sentenced.
However, after appeals in higher courts, the sentences were changed.
The actress and her mother's dream of a new home ended in a terrible crime.
Malayalam actress Rani Padmini and her mother were found murdered in their home.
The bodies were discovered in a decomposed state, indicating the murders occurred days prior.
The incident happened just as Rani and her mother were about to purchase a bungalow.
The police investigation concluded that the murders were committed by three household staff members for monetary gain.
The suspects were eventually apprehended, but the sentences were altered by higher courts.
- Who
- Rani Padmini and her mother, along with three household staff members, Jebaraj, Lakshmi Narasimhan, and Ganeshan.
- What
- Malayalam actress Rani Padmini and her mother were murdered.
- When
- The murders occurred on the afternoon of October 19, 1986, but the bodies were discovered days later.
- Where
- At their home in Anna Nagar, Chennai.
- Why
- The three staff members murdered Rani Padmini and her mother for monetary gain.
Initial Verdict
Later Verdict
Sentencing Discrepancies
Initial Verdict
Jebaraj, Lakshmi Narasimhan, and Ganeshan were found guilty of murder and sentenced to death by the district sessions court.
Later Verdict
The Madras High Court acquitted Lakshmi Narasimhan and Ganeshan and reduced Jebaraj's sentence.
Varied Jail Time
Initial Verdict
Lakshmi Narasimhan's initial death sentence was maintained and then reduced.
Later Verdict
Lakshmi Narasimhan was released after serving seven years due to a state scheme.
- Victims
- Rani Padmini and Indira Kumari
- Date of Discovery
- October 19, 1986
- Location
- Anna Nagar, Chennai
- Suspects
- Jebaraj, Lakshmi Narasimhan, Ganeshan
- Motive
- Robbery
- Sentencing
- Death sentence initially, later altered to life imprisonment or acquittal