Yadgir: A Yadgir court on Thursday sentenced 17 persons to life imprisonment and three others to varying jail terms for the murder of a Dalit man during caste related clash in Shahapur taluk in 2014.
The judgment was delivered by Yadgir Principal District and Special Sessions Judge Marulasiddaradhya H J Besides awarding life imprisonment to 17 convicts, the court sentenced one accused to seven years’ imprisonment and two others to six months’ imprisonment. The court also imposed a total fine of Rs 4.25 lakh on the convicted persons.
According to the prosecution, tension began after banners carrying photographs of Dalit community leaders and upper-caste leaders were allegedly torn during the festivities on January 15. The dispute flared up again the following day.
On January 17, villagers had gathered near the old village panchayat platform to discuss the issue when the accused allegedly abused Devendrappa in filthy language and insulted him by referring to his caste, accusing him of creating obstacles in every matter. They then went to assault him.
Devendrappa, who tried to flee, was chased, dragged and repeatedly assaulted. He sustained severe injuries to his head and other parts of the body and died on the spot. Another person, the complainant, who tried to intervene, was also injured in the attack.
Based on the investigation, a charge sheet was filed against the accused under IPC Sections 143, 147, 148, 307, 302, 114, 504 and 149, and Sections 3(1)(ii) and 3(1)(x) of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.
The charge sheet named 32 accused persons. The prosecution cited 68 witnesses, of whom 37 witnesses were examined during the trial.
Holding the accused guilty under various provisions of the Indian Penal Code and the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, the court convicted 20 of the accused while delivering its verdict. While 3 died during trial, 9 were acquitted.
The court also directed that the fine amount be paid to the victim’s legal heir and permitted them to approach the District Legal Services Authority for additional compensation.
The court on Thursday sentenced Basalingappa, Sabanna, Rayappa, Malappa, Devendrappa, Sharanappa, Shivappa, Doddarayappa, Sannarayappa, Chowdappa, Shivappa, Shekhappa, Babu, Basappa, Sabanna, Dharmanna and Ambanna to life imprisonment.
Devappa was sentenced to seven years’ imprisonment.
Hayyalappa and Ambanna were each sentenced to six months’ imprisonment.
The prosecution was represented by Gurulingappa Shrimant Teli.
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