Gardaí prepare to charge Chada over the murder of his two sons

Gardaí are likely to seek charges today against Sanjeev Chada in connection with the murder of his children, Eoghan and Ruairi.

The 43-year-old was arrested at lunchtime yesterday after he was discharged from Mayo General Hospital.

The bodies of Eoghan, aged 10, and Ruairi, five, were released at around 4pm yesterday but it was not until last night before the family were able to take the long journey from the hospital to Ballinkillen, Co Carlow.

Eoghan and Ruairi will repose at their home today and be buried after funeral Mass at 1pm in St Lazarian’s Church tomorrow.

Sanjeev’s wife, Kathleen Chada, nee Murphy, is being supported by a large, extended family as she prepares to bury her children.

Detectives from Westport Garda Station arrested Mr Chada at 12.20pm at Mayo General Hospital and took him by a rear door to Westport Garda Station.

He was arrested on suspicion of murder under section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984. This all-ows him to be questioned for up to 24 hours, excluding meal and sleep breaks.

Mr Chada’s detention period will end today, at which stage he will be released or charged. Senior officers will hold discussions with the DPP today to see if there is enough evidence to bring charges.

Gardaí are putting evidence gathered so far to Mr Chada, including details from the autopsies and reported sightings of his vehicle.

The results of the autopsy were not released for this reason, although it is understood the boys were asphyxiated, either from bare hands or a ligature.

Their bodies were found inside the boot of Mr Chada’s Ford Focus, which he crashed into a wall outside Westport at speeds in excess of 130km/h. Eoghan and Ruairi were already dead.

Gardaí said an airbag saved Mr Chada’s life, who sustained minor injuries.

Detectives in Carlow and Westport are trying to establish Mr Chada’s motives.

Gardaí have said there were no domestic or psychiatric issues. However, they said he was under stress due to financial losses he has suffered trading shares online. He was also to be questioned by gardaí in connection with the unexplained loss of around €50,000 from Ballinkillen Community Centre. Mr Chada worked voluntarily in the centre.