He claimed ‘astral projection’ led him to murder family; 8 years later, Kerala court rules man was motivated by anger, video games

Thiruvananthapuram, May 12, 2025 — A Thiruvananthapuram court has convicted Cadell Jeansen Raja for killing his entire family. After eight years of legal proceedings, the court ruled that Raja acted out of anger and obsession with violent video games. It rejected his claim that the murders happened during an astral projection experience.

The Nanthancode Murders

In April 2017, police discovered four bodies inside a well-known household in Nanthancode. The victims were Raja’s father, mother, sister, and aunt. Each had been killed brutally and partially burned.

Raja fled to Chennai shortly after the murders. Police tracked and arrested him within days. He confessed, but his explanation shocked the public.

The Astral Projection Defense

Raja claimed he had been practicing astral projection, a concept that suggests the soul can leave the body. According to him, the murders happened during one of these out-of-body episodes. He said he wasn’t aware of his actions at the time.

The bizarre claim caught public attention. Many believed it was an attempt to escape responsibility. Media reports covered the case extensively, often focusing on Raja’s odd behavior.

Medical Experts Disagree

The court ordered a psychiatric evaluation. Medical experts declared Raja mentally sound. He understood what he had done and showed no signs of insanity.

Doctors confirmed that he was fully conscious during the murders. The court took their findings seriously. It ruled that Raja was fit to stand trial and could be held accountable.

Court’s Final Decision

On May 12, 2025, the Additional Sessions Court found Raja guilty. The court rejected the astral projection theory. It ruled that the killings were planned and driven by personal anger.

Prosecutors argued that Raja held deep resentment toward his family. He felt emotionally disconnected. He often played violent video games and became isolated. The court agreed that these factors influenced his mindset.

Raja now awaits sentencing, which is expected on May 13.

Details of the Crime

Raja used a hatchet to kill each family member. He targeted them one by one, timing the attacks carefully. After the murders, he wrapped the bodies in bedsheets. He then set parts of the house on fire in an attempt to destroy evidence.

Police discovered that Raja stayed in the house with the bodies for several hours. This behavior showed a disturbing level of detachment and lack of remorse.

Public and Expert Reactions

The case sparked major public interest in Kerala. It also raised concerns about mental health, video game addiction, and family conflicts. Experts stressed the need for early mental health support, especially for young adults facing isolation.

Many rejected the idea that spiritual theories like astral projection could excuse murder. Legal and psychological professionals warned against using such claims in serious crimes.

Closing Thoughts

This case remains one of the most disturbing in Kerala’s history. It involved a young man with a promising future, who ended up destroying his entire family. The court’s decision brings some closure to the community.

The Raja case is a reminder of how emotional disconnect, anger, and technology misuse can lead to tragedy. It highlights the importance of family communication, mental health care, and personal responsibility.