Jolly Thomas, Serial Killer

Jolly Thomas is a serial killer. Allegedly. But her case appears to be so confused that it offers few answers to our questions. She has confessed to murdering six members of her family over a 14-year period. Even while she was poisoning them with cyanide to her family, her community, and her friends she appeared to be a cheerful, happy, upstanding woman.

Jolly was a pious and friendly person who seemed to be possessed of a strong moral fibre. She was the kind of woman we would all love to have as a part of our family or as a neighbour. Which only goes to show that appearances can be extremely deceptive.

Because the 47-year-old mother, who lived in the south western State of Kerala in India, is alleged to have murdered her relatives by lacing their food with the poison. However, despite confessing to the crimes, many of her friends and relatives believe that she is the victim here - an innocent one at that. They cannot come to terms with the fact that such a cheerful and respected member of the community could be a mass murderess. They believe that she has been framed by the authorities.

While, from the opposite side of the fence, the police are sure that they are dealing with a psychopath.