Kerala Serial Killing Probe: More Bones Found at Suspect’s Property in Cherthala

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Police in Kerala have recovered additional human skeletal remains from the property of 65-year-old real estate broker C. M. Sebastian in Pallippuram, Cherthala, deepening suspicions of a serial killing case linked to multiple women missing over the past two decades.

The latest discovery was made during an ongoing search operation at Sebastian’s 2.5-acre property, where earlier excavations uncovered a burned skull, a thigh bone, and a dental-clipped tooth. New bone fragments were found in a pit behind his house, prompting authorities to plan the draining of a nearby pond in search of further evidence. All recovered remains are being sent for DNA testing to establish the victims’ identities.

Sebastian is currently under investigation in connection with the disappearance of Ettumanoor resident Jainamma, 55, who went missing in December 2024. He is also suspected in the cases of Bindu Padmanabhan, missing since 2006, and Sindhu, missing since 2020. Investigators believe all three women had links to Sebastian through real estate dealings.

The current probe began after police tracked Jainamma’s mobile phone tower data to Sebastian’s property. Initial searches revealed charred human remains, leading authorities to revisit older unsolved cases of missing women in the Cherthala area.

Forensic teams, crime branch officers from Kottayam and Alappuzha, and cadaver dogs have been deployed to comb through the land. Ground-penetrating radar is being used to detect possible burial sites. DNA samples from relatives of the missing women have been collected to aid in identification.

Police suspect the crimes may have been financially motivated, potentially involving property acquisition through fraudulent means. However, investigators have not confirmed the exact motive. Sebastian remains in custody but has reportedly refused to cooperate or undergo a polygraph test.

Authorities warn that more remains could be recovered as the search expands to the pond adjacent to the suspect’s house. If the DNA results confirm links to the missing women, additional charges will be filed, and other cold cases could be reopened.