KOZHIKODE: The additional district sessions’ court here on Thursday sentenced Subramanyan Namboodiri, father of Aditi, to three years’ rigorous imprisonment, and Devika Antharjanam (Ramla Begum), step-mother, to two years’ RI for torturing the girl and subsequently causing her death. Aditi, 7, was subjected to starvation and torture by the duo which resulted in her death on April 29, 2013, according to the prosecution. Aditi was admitted to a city hospital with bruises and burn injuries on different parts of her body.
The girl later died at the Medical College Hospital. However, the prosecution failed to corroborate the charges of murder with sufficient evidence and witness statements. It also failed to substantiate the charges of attempt to murder Arun, brother of Aditi, by the duo. Judge A. Shankaran Nair also slapped a fine of Rs 1 lakh on first accused Subramanyan Namboodiri. The money should go to Arun. In default, Subramanyan has to undergo an additional six months’ imprisonment.
He has to undergo one- year rigorous imprisonment under section 323 of IPC, three years RI under IPC 324 and six months imprisonment and pay Rs 1 lakh fine under Juvenile Justice Act. He can undergo three-year RI concurrently. Second accused Devika Antharjanam has been sentenced to two- year RI under section 323 and 324 of IPC. Hundreds of people who gathered on the court premises showered abuses on the duo and asked the police to let them teach the two a lesson. A heavy police force was stationed on the court premises.
