Emmerdale spoilers follow.
Tensions have been running high in Emmerdale as the fight to bring Meena to justice continues.
In tonight's hour-long episode (March 17), the villagers were left rattled by Meena's latest unexpected move.
The day started with everyone on edge, preparing to take a seat in court, as the serial killer's case was finally being brought to the stand.
Related: Emmerdale star reveals big journey ahead for Rhona
"I just want to get there before I lose my nerve," admitted Jacob, whose mood reflected many others'.
What to Read Next
But when Meena made her appearance at the plea hearing, she had only one question – "Where is everyone?".
The accused got an unpleasant surprise when she was met with a less than her ideal turn-out to her hearing. According to her sister, Manpreet, the low attendance had been the villagers' way of "starving" Meena of the audience she craves.
But, ultimately, that did not discourage Meena who, smiling back at the small group behind her, took her place in court. It seemed the young criminal might still have some cards up her sleeve.
When she was asked to respond to the first round of accusations of kidnapping, false imprisonment and attempted murder, surprising everyone in the room, Meena initially pled guilty.
Related: Emmerdale star addresses Marlon's stroke storyline
However, she went on to smilingly plead "not-guilty" to Ben, Andrea and Leanna's murders, initiating a flurry of rattled responses.
"She's lying," screamed Leyla. "You admitted to everything else, why not this? She killed them. She killed all of them."
Another person staggered by Meena's words was Liam, who threatened Manpreet outside the courtroom that if he did not "get closure" and justice for his little girl, he was not sure what he might do.
As everyone put their fate on Manpreet's testimony, the serial killer's sister admitted she was terrified of Meena's ability to twist things.
This was proven moments later when she suffered a terrifying panic attack. Afraid of being torn apart by the defence, while speaking with Charles, she started hyperventilating.
Related: Emmerdale twist as Dawn Taylor outsmarts Alex
Seeing her lose control of her emotions, Charles raced to her side trying to help her calm down.
However, after promising to come back for the trial, the next scene had a tear-stained Manpreet suffering another panic attack in her car. Distraught, she got out of the vehicle, abandoning her phone inside, and took off into the night.
Is Meena playing another game with Emmerdale's residents? And where has Manpreet gone?
Emmerdale airs weeknights at 7.30pm on ITV and streams on the ITV Hub.
Read more Emmerdale spoilers on our dedicated homepage.
If you've been affected by the issues raised in this story, organisations who can offer support include Samaritans on 116 123 (www.samaritans.org) or Mind on 0300 123 3393 (www.mind.org.uk). Readers in the US are encouraged to visit mentalhealth.gov.
