Jolly Joseph and the Koodathayi Cyanide Killings: A Study of Deception and its Consequences

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Manveer Singh Oberoi, Author

Manveer Singh Oberoi, a first-year law student at Maharaja Agarsain Institute of Management Studies. Read More

IN THE HIGH COURT OF KERALA AT ERNAKULAM
PRESENT
THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE RAJA VIJAYARAGHAVAN V

JOLLYAMMA JOSEPH @ JOLLY

versus

STATE OF KERALA

CRL.MC NO. 3937 OF 2023

Case – Jolly Amma Joseph vs State of Kerala 2023

Table of Contents

Abstract

The story of Jolly Joseph unfolds a gripping tale that explores the troubling outcomes of dishonesty and desire. This article explores how Jolly, influenced by societal pressures and her own dreams, found herself caught in a tangled web of deception that eventually resulted in accusations of several murders within her family. The piece delves into her family dynamics, especially the strain with her mother-in-law, showcasing the intricate balance between individual aspirations and family obligations. It reveals how unmet expectations and the drive for success can distort moral judgment and result in disastrous choices. The article explores Jolly’s motivations and the wider societal context, offering a thoughtful reminder about the risks of sacrificing integrity for superficial gains. It highlights the essential role of honesty and trust in upholding ethical standards and fostering healthy relationships. Ultimately, the tale of Jolly Joseph offers a heartfelt insight into the human experience, showing how the quest for achievement, when pushed too far, can lead to tragic consequences. This story encourages readers to reflect on the deep consequences of their decisions and the possible repercussions of dishonesty, highlighting that genuine success should always preserve one’s humanity.

Jolly?

Jolly Joseph was the daughter of a successful cardamom farmer in Wadakkanchery village Idukki. She broke new ground in her family by being the first woman to attend college, showcasing her determination and ambitions that extended well beyond the realm of farming.

In 1997 during a relative’s housewarming ceremony jolly met Roy Thomas, the eldest son of the Ponnamattam family from Koodathai. Roy’s father, Tom, worked as a senior clerk in the education department, while his mother, Annamma, was a dedicated schoolteacher. Roy also had a younger brother and sister and was believed to have secured a good job in Hyderabad.

A charming romance blossomed between Jolly and Roy, leading to their marriage shortly after. However, the reality of their marriage differed from outward appearances. Jolly soon realized that Roy was unemployed and often stayed at home after their wedding. Additionally, although jolly claimed to have an M. Com degree, she had not actually completed her post-graduation, having misrepresented her educational qualifications.

What Role Did Deceit Play In The First Murder?

Reports indicate that Jolly’s initial alleged victim was her 57-year-old mother-in-law, Annamma Thomas. After Annamma encouraged Jolly to pursue a job or further her education upon learning about her (fake) M.Com degree, Jolly fabricated a story about securing a guest lecturer position at Kottayam College. Eventually, she would leave home and return only on weekends.

Fearing that Annamma might discover her deceit, Jolly decided to take drastic measures in 2002. She obtained cyanide under the guise of a trip to a veterinary clinic and added it to her mother-in-law’s soup on August 22, leading to Annamma’s death.

The burden of property drove Jolly to take more lives

The next focus of Jolly’s supposed offenses was her 66-year-old father-in-law, Tom Thomas. Tom owned a substantial piece of land, approximately 1600 square meters, which he intended to pass on to his younger son Rozo before leaving for the United States. Concerned about the possibility of being left with nothing if her husband remained unemployed and without an inheritance, Jolly decided to take action regarding the property.

In 2008, while Tom was visiting his only daughter in Colombo with plans to travel to the United States from there, Jolly reached out to him. She claimed she was expecting and expressed her worries about Roy’s heavy drinking. Disturbed by the situation, Tom returned to Kerala, where Jolly cleverly took charge of his property by crafting a fraudulent will.

On August 22, exactly six years after the initial murder, she took her father-in-law’s life with cyanide. The cyanide was provided by Mathew, who was involved in an affair with Jolly. Jolly had reached out to Mathew, expressing concern that Tom had found out about their secret relationship.

Husband, The Next Target

There was no skepticism surrounding the initial two fatalities. In 2011, Roy Thomas experienced his third death, raising suspicions of foul play for the first time. Following Tom’s passing, Roy received all of his riches. Jolly’s next act was carried out with the aim of acquiring that property.

On October 30, 2011, Roy was discovered lying unconscious on the bathroom floor, experiencing vomiting and foaming at the mouth. He was pronounced dead at the hospital. Feeling uneasy, Roy’s siblings and his 68-year-old uncle Matthew (distinct from Jolly’s boyfriend) arranged for an autopsy, which uncovered cyanide in his system.

As reported by the Indian Express, Jolly told the police that Roy, who struggled with depression and alcoholism, had taken his own life. The local police accepted this reasoning and chose not to pursue further investigation. Jolly had become a house and property owner, and the path was open for her to embrace her life.

However, the violence continued unabated

Some individuals found themselves dissatisfied with the police’s findings regarding a series of unusual deaths. Uncle Mathew, driven by a sense of duty, decided to investigate the mysterious passings of his sister, brother-in-law, and nephew. Unfortunately, this made him a target for Jolly.

On a tragic day in 2014, Jolly poisoned Mathew by mixing cyanide into his drink. As he collapsed, Jolly, along with nearby residents, rushed him to the hospital, but it was too late to save him. At the same time, Jolly was involved in a new relationship with Shaju Zacharias, the cousin of her deceased husband. Unlike Roy, Shaju had a stable job as a teacher, ensuring a steady income. However, for their relationship to flourish, Jolly felt she needed to eliminate certain obstacles.

The first obstacle was Shaju’s young daughter, Alfein. On May 1, 2014, Jolly administered cyanide to the girl, who tragically passed away a few days later. Next, Jolly targeted Shaju’s wife, Silly. On January 11, 2016, she accompanied Silly to the dentist, where she secretly added cyanide to the medications prescribed. After attending Silly’s funeral, Jolly frequently visited Shaju’s home, and by 2017, they were married.

How Did ‘Deaths’ Transform Into ‘Murders’?

In 2011, suspicions of foul play first emerged following the death of Roy Thomas. Rojo Thomas, unsatisfied with Jolly’s explanations after her brother’s death, decided to take action. In June 2019, she contacted the police, urging them to investigate the deaths of her parents and brother.

The authorities exhumed the bodies and conducted autopsies, which revealed the presence of cyanide, confirming that foul play was involved. On October 5, 2019, Jolly was arrested, and she confessed to all her crimes. Mathew, who had assisted her in obtaining cyanide, was also apprehended. Both Jolly and Mathew are currently in custody, awaiting trial for their actions.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the situation involving Jolly Joseph highlights the profound impact that dishonesty can have, leading to severe outcomes. Initially motivated by her dreams and the weight of societal pressures, Jolly’s untruths grew into a tangled web that eventually led to heartbreak. Her actions reveal the more troubling aspects of ambition, where the urge to break free from one’s situation can result in questionable choices. The way trust is handled in family relationships is quite revealing, showing how personal motivations can really change one’s understanding of right and wrong. The narrative explores the intricacies of family relationships and the effects of unmet hopes. Jolly’s relationship with her mother-in-law showcases the delicate balance that can occur when individual dreams intersect with family obligations. This situation brings to light the importance of personal responsibility and acts as a reminder of the extremes one may reach when confronted with the anxiety of being uncovered and the dread of not succeeding. The pressure to achieve can foster an unhealthy atmosphere where people may feel the need to sacrifice their principles for the sake of how things look.

Ultimately, Jolly Joseph’s journey from a hopeful young woman to an alleged murderer highlights the significance of sincerity and moral principles in our endeavours. It encourages us to think about the impact of our decisions and the possible repercussions of dishonesty, reminding us that striving for achievement should never undermine our essence. Reflecting on her actions invites us to think about how societal pressures can distort our sense of right and wrong, often resulting in unfortunate consequences. This case acts as both a legal and moral lesson, while also offering a deep reflection on the human experience and the delicate nature of trust in our connections.

References