Kerala court sentences two to life imprisonment in Maniyan murder case

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Neyyattinkara court sentenced life imprisonment and fine on the accused in the murder of Kunnumpuram, Vilappil native Maniyan. The first accused is Prasad (40) of Puthanveedu, Kanchiyurkonam, Chowalloor, Valappil. The second accused is Ani (56) alias Anurajan of Kanchiyurkonam Usha Bhavan, Chowalloor.

Neyyattinkara Additional District Sessions Court Judge AM Basheer said that apart from life imprisonment, they should also pay a fine of Rs 50,000 each. In case of failure to pay the fine, the jail term will be extended to six more months. Maniyan was killed on March 3, 2014, at 11.30 pm. There were four accused in the case. The court acquitted the third accused Krishnamma (60) and the fourth accused Shailaja (52).

Krishnamma is the mother of the first accused Prasad. Shailaja is the wife of the second accused Anuraj. The murdered Maniyan and the accused are neighbours. Maniyan’s terrible alcohol habits and his unscrupulous conduct were a bane for the neighbours. It was normal for the neighbours to quarrel with Maniyan over the issue.

On March 3, Maniyan's wife and daughter were not at home. The accused trespassed in Maniyan's houseyard. After that, the first and second accused hit Maniyan on the head and cut him deeply with a paper-cutting knife all over his body. the prosecution claimed the death to be a result of excessive bleeding.

The third and fourth accused, Krishnamma and Shailaja, were only charged with incitement. Maniyan, who was brutally injured, died on the spot. The eyewitness Chandran’s statement turned pivotal in the case.

The police recovered the weapons and blood-stained clothes from the first and second accused. The prosecution was also able to prove that the bloodstain found was Maniyan's. 20 witnesses were examined in the case.