Archive · 19 Aug 2026
Court Sentences Man to Life for Killing Pregnant Plantation Worker
A court in Kerala sentenced a 63-year-old man to life in prison for killing a plantation worker.
The woman, named Ambili, was eight months pregnant.
Prosecutors said the man was the baby’s father and wanted to hide their relationship.
They said he took her to a quiet place and strangled her.
He then wrapped her body and placed it in a pond.
Workers later noticed a bad smell and told the police.
Investigators found Ambili and her unborn baby, and DNA tests identified her.
The court found the man guilty using scientific and circumstantial evidence, even though nobody saw the killing.
A Kerala court sentenced 63-year-old Mathew Devasya, also known as Thankachan, to life imprisonment for murdering plantation worker Ambili in 2012.
Prosecutors said Devasya killed Ambili to conceal their affair after she became pregnant.
The prosecution alleged that he strangled the eight-month-pregnant woman with plastic rope and disposed of her body in a pond.
Police found Ambili and her unborn child inside a tarpaulin after plantation workers reported a foul smell from the pond.
The court convicted Devasya on circumstantial and scientific evidence despite the absence of eyewitnesses, and imposed a fine of Rs 1 lakh.
- Who
- Mathew Devasya, also known as Thankachan, was convicted of killing plantation worker Ambili.
- What
- A court sentenced Devasya to life imprisonment for Ambili’s murder and imposed a fine of Rs 1 lakh.
- When
- The murder occurred in 2012, and the sentence was reported on August 19; the report does not specify the year of sentencing.
- Where
- The case was heard by the Thodupuzha Principal District cum Sessions Court in Kerala; the body was found in a pond near the Pampadumpara coffee plantation.
- Why
- Prosecutors said Devasya killed Ambili to conceal their affair and prevent damage to his reputation after she became pregnant.
- Accused
- Mathew Devasya, also known as Thankachan
- Age
- 63
- Victim
- Ambili, an unmarried plantation worker
- Sentence
- Life imprisonment
- Fine
- Rs 1 lakh
- Murder year
- 2012
- Evidence
- Circumstantial and scientific evidence, including DNA testing
- Pregnancy
- Ambili was eight months pregnant; the child was found with the umbilical cord attached