A man accused of murdering his wife and their two young children has been seen for the first time since his arrest on suspicion of the crimes.
Saju Chelavalel, 52, was pictured as he was led to a prison van after appearing at Wellingborough Magistrates' Court, where he was charged with the murders of nurse Anju Asok, 35, and her two children Jeeva Saju, six, and Janvi Saju, four.
The accused was wearing a light grey tracksuit and glasses as he was led by the hands by an official dressed in black.
Northamptonshire Police arrested Chelavalel after officers were called to his address in Petherton Court, Kettering, Northamptonshire, around 11am on December 15.
Officers had found the mother and her two young children at the address with serious injuries.
In a statement released on Monday afternoon, Northamptonshire Police said Chelavalel had appeared in the court on Monday morning charged with three counts of murder.
Anju, Jeeva, and Janvi died on Thursday, December 15, after emergency services were called to Petherton Court to reports they had suffered serious injuries.
Forensic post-mortem examinations which took place at Leicester Royal Infirmary following their deaths concluded that all three died as a result of asphyxiation.
Mr Chelavalel will next appear at Northampton Crown Court on Wednesday, December 21.
Police have said they are not looking for anyone else in connection with the inquiry.
Anju was described as a "committed and compassionate" nurse by colleagues at Kettering General Hospital, who many were on strike last week.
They said she was "loved and respected" by all.
Hospital Chief Executive Deborah Needham said on Friday: “Yesterday we received the extremely upsetting news that one of our colleagues had died in circumstances being investigated by Northamptonshire Police.
“Anju Asok was an internationally trained nurse who joined our KGH family in 2021 and predominantly worked on Barnwell B - one of our Orthopaedic wards.
“She was a committed and compassionate staff nurse, who was loved and respected by her dear friends and colleagues.
“All our thoughts are with her friends and family as they come to terms with this sudden loss.”
Several bunches of flowers were left beside the police cordon blocking off Petherton Court late last week, alongside cuddly toys.
An unsigned note attached to one of the tributes read: “We were shocked and devastated by the news. The community will always remember this extremely sad and distressing incident. RIP.
"We hope you are in a better place.”
