Chennai: A man who was awarded death sentence in a murder case five years ago, which was subsequently modified to life imprisonment, has to undergo another life term as the Madras high court confirmed the life sentence awarded to him by a lower court in connection with another murder case.
“Since the accused is involved in another case of a similar nature, no leniency is to be given to him in the present case,” said a division bench, comprising justices V. Dhanapalan and G. Chockalingam, while dismissing an appeal from G. Jayakumar of Vyasarpadi.
The prosecution case was that Thangamani, a retired financial controller from the TN police department, was living with his wife and daughter in Anna Nagar West.
On May 12, 2007, he left his home and when he returned, he found his wife lying on the floor with injuries on her neck. Two gold chains, a thali and two bangles worn by her were missing. He took her to KMC hospital where the doctors declared her dead.
Based on a complaint by Thangamani, the Thirumangalam police arrested Jayakumar and following his confession, they recovered a gold chain.
The VI additional sessions judge, Chennai, who tried the case, awarded life sentence to Jayakumar.
Holding that the prosecution had proved the case beyond reasonable doubt, the bench confirmed the order of the trial court, awarding life sentence to Jayakumar.
Referring to the submission of his counsel to show leniency since Jayakumar has got two daughters, the bench pointed out that Jayakumar was involved in a 2009 murder case and had been awarded death sentence by a trial court. This was subsequently modified to life imprisonment by the high court.
“Jayakumar’s involvement in the earlier murder case is not denied by his counsel. Since he is involved in another case of a similar nature, no leniency is to be given to him. This court is of the considered view that there is no reason to interfere with the judgment of conviction and sentence passed by the trial court,” the bench added.
