THRISSUR: A court in Thrissur has sentenced a lorry driver to seven years of rigorous imprisonment and imposed a fine of ₹1 lakh in connection with a fatal road accident caused by an illegally operated sand-laden lorry.
The Second Additional Sessions Judge, Ramesh Kumar S., convicted Nishad (42), son of Hamsa, a resident of Pallur Desam, on charges of culpable homicide not amounting to murder. The court also ordered that if the fine is not paid, the convict will have to undergo an additional four months of imprisonment. The fine amount, if recovered, will be equally distributed among the legal heirs of the deceased.
The accident occurred at around 4 a.m. on March 21, 2011, in front of Chittanda School. According to the prosecution, the tipper lorry was being driven at high speed from the Varavoor side without its headlights switched on. After slowing down at a hump, the driver allegedly accelerated suddenly and hit the victim, throwing him off the road.
The victim, Vijayan (34), son of Rajan and a resident of Karyampurath House in Chittanda Village, sustained serious injuries in the accident and died on the same day.
During the trial, the prosecution examined 15 witnesses and produced 21 documents as evidence. Based on eyewitness accounts, documentary evidence, and witness testimonies, the prosecution successfully established the guilt of the accused.
The investigation was conducted by N. Muralidharan, who was then the Circle Inspector of Vadakkanchery. Senior Civil Police Officers Sangeeth M.D. and Vineeth assisted the prosecution during the court proceedings.
Additional Public Prosecutor K.N. Cinemol appeared for the prosecution.
