Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru
Mangaluru, Sep 14: The additional district and sessions court here, presided over by Judge Mallikarjuna Swamy H S, has delivered a verdict on the notorious murder case of Shreemathi Shetty, confirming the guilt of three accused. The court ruling came on Friday, nearly five years after the gruesome crime that had shocked the city.
The crime, which took place on May 11, 2019, involved the murder of Shetty over a financial dispute related to a chit fund. The killers, in a horrific act, had dismembered her body into 29 pieces and disposed of them at various locations around the city.
Raju, Victoria Mathais and Jowlin Samson
Shreemathi Shetty
The accused include Jonas Samson alias Jonas Jowlin Samson (40), Victoria Mathais (47), and Raju (34) from Marakada Tharipadi Guddya. Raju had previously been released on bail but was re-arrested, while Jonas and Victoria have been in jail throughout the trial.
Shetty, a 42-year-old resident of Attavar, ran the Sri Polali Electronics Store and was involved in chit fund operations. Jonas, who was a member of the chit fund, had failed to make his monthly payments. On May 11, 2019, at 9:15 AM, Shetty went to Jonas’s house to demand the money he owed.
What followed was a shocking act of violence. Jonas struck Shetty on the head with a wooden plank, rendering her unconscious. Jonas and Victoria then dragged her to a hidden room, where they used a sharp knife to slit her throat. After stealing her jewellery, they dismembered her body into 29 pieces, placing the remains in plastic bags and disposing of them around the city.
The court found Jonas and Victoria guilty of murder, robbery, and destruction of evidence, while Raju was convicted of aiding the murder and keeping stolen property. The sentencing hearing is scheduled for September 17. The case was prosecuted by Judith Olga Margaret Crasta, who presented compelling evidence that led to the convictions.
Jonas, a butcher by profession, had a history of violent behaviour, including being accused of a relative’s murder. He and Victoria had been living together at the time of the crime. Raju, a friend of Jonas, had also participated by providing shelter to the duo and receiving some of the stolen jewellery.
On the day of the murder, Jonas was captured on CCTV near the victim’s shop, which helped the police track him down. After the crime, Jonas transported the dismembered body parts on a scooter, dumping them at various locations, including near Kadri, where the victim’s head was found. The discovery of the head brought the case to light, leading to a thorough investigation.
The brutal nature of the crime shocked the local community, with details of the dismemberment and disposal of the body parts creating a lasting impact. The investigation was led by inspector Mahesh M from Mangaluru East Station, with forensic reports provided by Dr Jagadeesh Rao.
The full extent of the sentences for the accused will be determined on September 17, as the city awaits justice for the victim in one of its most gruesome murder cases.