Mangaluru: The Sixth Additional District and Sessions Judge D T Puttarangaswamy, on August 4 awarded life imprisonment for two guilty in connection with the murder of a 22-year-old man named Avinash in 2014.
The court pronounced Ranga (26) alias Gavi Ranga alias Harish, a resident of Tiptur in Tumkur district and Sushma Priscilla (26) of Karnadu, Mulki guilty in the crime and sentenced them to life imprisonment with fine of Rs 25000 each, failing which they will be liable to pay fine and face extended jail term of two months.
The court also ordered that Rs 40000 from the fine amount should be paid to the victim’s family as compensation. The victim’s family is also eligible to obtain compensation from the Legal Service Authority.
The court convicted Ranga under IPC sections 302, 34 and Sushma under IPC sections 120(b) and 34.
It may be recalled that the case revolves around a triangle love story. It is gathered that Sushma Priscilla was employed in a private BPO firm. For several years, Sushma was in love with the victim Avinash from Karkala. Gradually she lost interest in Avinash and the relationship turned sour. Meanwhile,Sushma developed intimacy with a cab driver named him 0llRanga who was working for the company.
Avinash who came to know about their relationship tried to confront Sushma at her workplace. However, security personnel at the BPO stopped him and handed him over to the police. After a stern warning, the police had freed him.
This incident had caused Sushma to tender her resignation and on that day she decided to eliminate Avinash with the help of Ranga. Under the pretext of discussing the matter, she invited Avinash to Mukka. When Avinash was on his way to meet her, Ranga intentionally hit Avinash’s bike with his car. A seriously injured Avinash was rushed to a hospital where he succumbed to the injuries.
The police investigation into the case revealed the involvement of Ranga and Sushma in the murder.
The court has examined 28 witnesses in the case. The quantum of punishment will be pronounced on Friday, August 3. Public Prosecutor Zudith O M argued for the victim.
