Summary: The Madurai Bench of Madras High Court confirmed life sentences for two family members involved in a deadly property dispute. The court found them guilty of murdering two relatives using iron rods during a heated argument.
In a tragic turn of events, a family fight over property led to the deaths of Dhanishlas and his son Napoleon. The incident happened on April 9, 2014, when a disagreement got out of control between Arockiasamy and his family and their relatives. The argument was about property shares, and it ended in violence.
The argument became deadly when Sasikumar (A1) used an iron punching rod to attack Dhanishlas, causing serious injuries. Arockiasamy (A3) also attacked with an iron rod, injuring Dhanishlas even more. When Napoleon tried to save his father, he was also seriously injured. Both father and son died on the spot, and the attackers ran away.
"Sasikumar by using an iron punching rod, inflicted pierced wound on the chest and head of Dhanishlas."
The case was filed under several charges, including murder. With strong evidence from people who saw what happened and medical reports, the trial court found Sasikumar and Arockiasamy guilty of murder and sentenced them to life in prison. Dhanamary (A2) was found guilty of a lesser charge and given a one-year sentence.
The convicted individuals appealed the decision, arguing there wasn't enough evidence and claiming they acted in self-defense. However, the court found the evidence against them convincing. Justice P. Velmurugan and Justice L. Victoria Gowri upheld the convictions, changing the charges to a lesser offense but keeping the life sentences because of the use of deadly weapons.
"The evidence of PW1 and PW4 is consistent, cogent, credible and inspires the confidence of the Court."
The court confirmed the life sentences for Sasikumar and Arockiasamy due to the strong evidence showing they committed murder using deadly weapons during the family dispute. Dhanamary received a one-year sentence for a lesser charge.
