Indian man accused of using cobra to kill his wife

Indian court on Wednesday found a man guilty of killing his 25-year-old wife last year using a venomous cobra in Kerala.

The accused is P Sooraj, 32 a resident of Kollam, India.

Sooraj was found guilty under the Indian Penal Code’s Sections 302 (murder), 328 (administering a drug to harm), 307 (attempt to murder), and 201 (destroying evidence), Indian media reported.

The prosecution sought capital punishment for P Sooraj, 32 a resident of Kollam; the additional sessions court is due to pronounce the quantum of punishment on Wednesday.

Uthra, his 25-year-old wife, suffered a fatal bite at her home while she was undergoing treatment for another snake bite she suffered. It emerged during the investigation that the incident, involving a viper, was also orchestrated by the husband. She managed to recover from the first bite, but could not survive the second.

Her parents lauded the verdict. “I am happy finally my daughter got justice. We expect maximum punishment for Sooraj. We pray no other parents should undergo our experience,” said Uthra’s father, Rajasenan, who was present in the court.