Belthangady Navoor murder case: Court acquits wife citing mental illness despite murder conviction

Belthangady Navoor murder case: Court acquits wife citing mental illness despite murder conviction

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, December 24, 2025: In a significant judgment, the Additional District and Sessions Court, FTSC-1 (POCSO), Mangaluru, has acquitted a woman of criminal liability in a case where she killed her husband, citing her mental illness at the time of the offence. The verdict was delivered by Judge Mohan J.S.

Although it was proved that the accused, Eliamma, had committed the murder, the court held that she was suffering from Delusional Disorder and therefore could not be held criminally responsible for her actions.

The incident occurred on July 5, 2022, at around 5.30 am in Navoor village of Belthangady taluk, where Eliamma allegedly killed her husband Yohannan by attacking him with a knife. During the trial of the case registered by the Belthangady police, the accused admitted to having killed her husband. Considering the gravity of the offence, the court proceeded with a full examination of witnesses, all of whom deposed against her.

During the cross-examination stage, defence counsel Advocate Vikram Raj A. brought to light the medical history of the accused. It was established that Eliamma had been suffering from long-term mental illness and delusions. The defence argued that due to her mental condition, the accused was incapable of understanding that her actions were wrong or unlawful at the time of the incident, and hence could not be said to have committed a crime.

After hearing arguments from both sides, Judge Mohan J.S. had reserved the judgment on December 23, 2025, and pronounced the verdict today. While the act of murder was held to be proved, the accused was absolved of criminal responsibility.

The court directed the jail superintendent to send the accused to NIMHANS and submit a report on whether she is fit to be released and whether she poses any danger to herself or to society. Advocates Vikram Raj A. and Jeevan A.M. appeared for the defence.