HC overturns trial court’s acquittal in murder case

The murder occurred in Tiruchy in 2011. It was an incident construed as murder for gain.

An elderly woman Mahalakshmi, who resided at BHEL quarters in Tiruchy, was murdered by Murali on July 7, 2011. After learning that the elderly woman was residing lonely, Murali trespassed into the house and slit her throat. In the wake of her killing, Murali decamped with 16 sovereigns of gold chain that was worn by the victim.

During the incident, Karthik, his accomplice, stood outside the house and monitored whether anybody was moving by the side.

Tiruchy BHEL police filed a case following the murder and after investigating, Murali and his accomplice were arrested. After being arrested, the duo was produced before the court in Tiruchy.

When the case was tried in the trial court in Tiruchy, both the accused were acquitted. The police, challenging the acquittal, moved the court and filed a petition.

After hearing the petition, a Division Bench of Justice T Raja and Justice B Pugalendhi set aside the acquittal order and issued fresh order convicting the two accused in the murder case.

While Murali was sentenced to life imprisonment, his accomplice Karthik was sentenced to undergo three years of imprisonment.