Accused in murder of couple sentenced to life

Accused in murder of couple sentenced to life

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Feb 27, 2017: Fifth Additional District and Sessions Judge M. Ramachandra on Saturday sentenced to life two persons found guilty of the murder of Baby Thomas (58) and Mary Thomas (45) in Kodambala village near Puttur in September 2012. The judge convicted Mohammed Rafeeq (35) of Somavarpet and Mohammed Kamaluddin (36) of Belthangady for murder, robbery and house trespass. Apart from sentencing them to life, the judge has imposed a fine of Rs. 3,000 each on the two persons for murder. The two were sentenced to 10 years imprisonment and asked to pay a fine of Rs. 5,000 for robbery and house trespass, respectively.

According to the chargesheet, Rafeeq and Kamaluddin came to the house of Baby Thomas on the night of September 25, 2012. Rafeeq, who knew Baby Thomas, sought lift in the latter’s car as his motorcycle as not in running condition. Baby Thomas agreed and drove with Rafeeq and Kamaluddin. Near Bollur Cross, the two hacked Baby Thomas to death and snatched his gold chain.

The two returned in the car with Baby Thomas’ body to his house where they murdered Mary Thomas. They left the house with gold ornaments belonging to Mary Thomas, some cash and three mobile phones. The two were arrested by Kadaba police a month later.

Prosecutor M. Udaya Kumar examined 42 witnesses, including two who had seen the convicted persons near Baby Thomas’s house on the night of September 25.

The judge said that of the total fine amount, the three children of the couple should be paid Rs. 10,000 as relief.

Courtesy: The Hindu