In a nutshell: The Madras High Court confirmed that Kannan, also known as Madankumar, will continue to serve a life sentence for killing Chinnappan in 2009. Kannan's appeal was rejected, and the court found no mistakes in the original decision.
On July 21, 2009, Chinnappan was attacked near the Cheyyur–Pavunjur road in Kancheepuram District. He was returning from Chennai with his son when Kannan reportedly attacked him with a palm tree branch and a stick, which led to his death.
Chinnappan's son saw the attack. He said that Kannan argued with Chinnappan and then hit him with a palm tree branch and a stick. Even though people tried to stop him, Kannan ran away.
"The accused hit Chinnappan with a palm tree branch on his right ear," said Chinnappan's son.
Chinnappan was first taken to Cheyyur Government Hospital and then sent to Chengalpattu Government Medical College Hospital, where he was declared dead. The autopsy confirmed that head injuries caused his death.
Kannan was arrested near Pavunjur bus stop. He admitted to the crime and showed the police where he had hidden the weapons used in the attack.
The trial took place in the Additional District and Sessions Court, Chengalpattu. The court found Kannan guilty under the laws for wrongful restraint and murder, sentencing him to life in prison on August 7, 2019.
Kannan appealed the conviction, but the High Court, with Judges P. Velmurugan and M. Jothiraman in charge, rejected the appeal on February 27, 2026. The court found the evidence from the prosecution, including eyewitness accounts and medical reports, to be trustworthy.
"The prosecution has proven its case without any doubt," the judgment stated.
The court confirmed Kannan's life sentence, agreeing that the original trial was conducted thoroughly. Kannan will remain in jail to serve the rest of his sentence.
