A Thrissur court has sentenced a 72-year-old man to life imprisonment for the murder of a Tamil Nadu native in Guruvayur over a financial dispute.
The Fourth Additional District and Sessions Court judge Anil T.P. sentenced Gopalakrishnan, a native of Kanyakumari district in Tamil Nadu, to life imprisonment and imposed a fine of ₹25,000. In default of payment, he will have to undergo an additional six months of imprisonment.
According to the prosecution, the accused attacked Murugan (35) with a hammer, killing him, and seriously injured his friend Ravi. The incident occurred on August 8, 2013, around 8 pm near the municipal car parking ground in Guruvayur.
Murugan and Ravi, who were working as daily wage labourers in the area, were rushed to Thrissur Medical College Hospital by ACTS volunteers. However, Murugan succumbed to his injuries due to the severity of the assault.
Police said the accused had absconded after the incident. The case was registered by Guruvayur Sub-Inspector Dileep T.G., and the investigation was later completed by Circle Inspector K.S. Sudarshan, who filed the charge sheet.
During the trial, the prosecution examined 12 witnesses and produced 15 documents along with material evidence before the court.
The prosecution was led by Additional Public Prosecutor Adv. Soly Joseph, along with advocates Honey Charuvil and Alan Richard.
