Father Jailed for 40 Years Over Chilling Christmas Family Murders
A dad who suspected his nurse wife of cheating has been locked up for at least 40 years after strangling her and their two young kids just days before Christmas.
Saju Chelavalel, 52, pleaded guilty to the horrific murders. He appeared at Northampton Crown Court for sentencing.
Rage Over Family Row Led to Deadly Strangulation
The court heard how, on December 14, Chelavalel freaked out after his wife, Anju Asok, 35, criticised his mother. Around 10 p.m., he strangled her with a dressing gown cord.
He then tried to drug their children, six-year-old Jeeva and four-year-old Janvi, but when the pills didn’t work, he strangled them the same way.
Police Storm Home to Find Chelavalel Armed and Deadly Scene
Bodycam footage showed officers busting into the Kettering home on December 15. Chelavalel was holding a knife and refused to drop it despite repeated warnings, demanding they shoot him.
Officers used a Taser to bring him down. They then found the lifeless bodies of his wife and children inside.
Devastated Family and Community Left Shattered
Chelavalel claimed his wife was having affairs and said there’d be proof on her phone — but none was found. An audio clip played in court revealed the children crying and begging for their mother during the tragic moments.
Neighbours called police after being unable to reach the family by mid-morning. Chelavalel told officers he planned to kill himself too.
Despite paramedics’ efforts, Anju died at the scene. The children later died in hospital.
Anju’s father, Arakkal Ashokan, a construction worker in India, expressed heartbreak over losing his daughter and grandchildren.
The inquest confirmed the kids were strangled, and Anju died from asphyxia.
Detective Inspector Simon Barnes said: “This is an absolutely tragic case. The pain caused by Chelavalel’s actions is profound. We hope he begins to understand the full scale of what he’s done.”
