Chennai: Along with Kanchi mutt head Jayendra Saraswathi, eight other accused, N. Sundaresa Iyer, K. Raghu, V. Sunder alias Meenakshi Sundaram, B. Anand alias Anandakumar , S. Lakshmanan, G. Boomi alias Bhoominathan, R. Kannan, K. Kumar alias China Kumar, also appeared before the court on Monday. Toeing the line of Kanchi acharya, they also stated that the attack case was foisted against them.
The judge posed them questions including circumstances leading to the assault, incident, arrest and events unfolded subsequently. Ravi Subramaniam, an approver turned hostile, also appeared before the court. Two others – Appu and Kathiravan who are dead, - were also allegedly involved in the case.
It all started with letters:
According to Special Public Prosecutor, N. Vijayraj, due to differences of opinion with mutt officials, Radhakrishnan, looking after the accounts of the mutt, left the place. During early 2002, a large number of letters released in the name of ‘Somasekhara Ganapadigal’ highlighting alleged ‘irregularities’ in Kanchi Sankara mutt.
Radhakrishnan attacked:
The number of such letters increased into manifold. The seer suspected involvement of Radhakrishnan in releasing the letters. Irked over this, Jayendra Saraswathi allegedly sought to end the ‘menace’ and decided to teach him a lesson. He allegedly informed Appu and Kathiravan about this. Based on their instructions, a gang attacked Radhakrishnan, his wife Jayasree and assistant Krishnan at their residence in Mandaveli on September 20, 2002.
Sankararaman murder case:
Though the incident took place in 2002, the Foreshore Estate police registered case against the 11 persons under sections 452, 324, 307 of I.P.C, had commenced the investigation only after the murder of Sankararaman, a staunch critic of Sankara Mutt, in famed Varadh arahaperumal temple in Kanchee puram. Sankararaman, the manager of Varadarajaperumal Temple in Kancheepuram, was murdered in the temple on September 3, 2004.
During the investigation of Sankaraman murder, few persons surrendered before the court claiming responsibility of the murder. Later, they informed that they were directed to do so by Appu and Kathiravan. On further quarry, Appu, Kathiravan and others detained by the police, also claimed the responsibility of assaulting Radhakrishnanan.
Arrested for murder, assault cases:
Jayendarar was arrested from Mahabubnagar in Andhra Pradesh on the Deepavali eve on November 11, 2004, in connection with the Sankaraman murder case. While in custody, he was formally arrested in the Radhakrishnan assault case.
Acquitted in Sankararaman case
In March 27, 2007, the Supreme Court transferred the Sankaraman murder case from a Chengalpet court to principal district and sessions court, Puducherry, which commenced trial on November 28, 2007. On November 27, 2013 court acquitted all accused including Jayendarar Saraswarthi .
600-page chargesheet filed
Foreshore Estate police have filed a 600-page chargesheet detailing various offences including attempt to murder and conspiracy against all the 11 suspects. After several twists and turn, the trial formally commenced on February 20, 2012. The judge adjourned the case to April 1 for further hearing.
