Thiruvananthapuram: Cadell Jeanson Raja, the lone accused in the Nanthancode multiple murders case, has been put on ventilator two days after he was admitted to the Medical College Hospital.
Doctors say the young man, accused of murdering four people including his parents, sister and a close relative, is in a critical condition.
Cadell was rushed to the hospital after food particles blocked his Esophagus following an epileptic seizure. A medical board has been formed to provide expert treatment to him. A seven-member medical team headed by Dr Ravikumar Kurup, head of the Department of Medicine, reviewed Cadell's health condition.
Doctors said Cadell is not responding to medicines. A medical bulletin issued on Friday said he is kept alive with ventilator support.
Cadell, 31, is under trial over the murders. He was found in an exhausted state in his isolated cell at the Poojapura Central Jail Thursday early morning with froth in his mouth.
The murders Cadell has been accused of took place on April 5, 2017, at his house in Nanthancode in the state capital. The youth, who had returned from Australia, initially told the police that the deaths occurred as he was experimenting with Astral Projection, a process during which the soul separates from the body and traverses the astral plain. Later he revised his statement, saying he murdered the victims over a family dispute.
Doctors had also testified that Cadell's mind was in shambles. However, the police insist in the charge sheet that the murders were planned. He was admitted to a psychiatric care center and locked up as the hearing was awaited.
Retired professor Raja Thankam, 60 wife Dr Jean Padma, 58, daughter Caroline, 26, and their relative Laliltha, 70, were found murdered at their house at Nanthancode in March. Three of the bodies were burned. The fourth one was wrapped in a bed sheet. The police believe Cadell burned the bodies after he committed the murders.
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