Veerappan aides' families welcome SC verdict

Bangalore, Jan 21: The family members of four Veerappan aides welcomed the Supreme Court verdict commuting sentence. The apex court had on Tuesday commuted the death penalty of 15 people, including Veerappan aides Gnanaprakasam, Bilavendran, Siman and Meesakara Mathaiyan.

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The death penalty has been commuted to life on the ground of inordinate delay on part of President to decide their mercy pleas.

Speaking to Times of India, Veerappan's wife Muthulakshmi said the 'innocent' people finally got some relief from the apex court. "It was a planted case. They were not accused. I am so happy that the innocent people will not be hanged," she told TOI over phone from Mettur in Salem district.

Family members of the four accused are settled in Samraj Nagar district in Karnataka. Gnanaprakasam and other accused have been lodged in a Karnataka prison.

Kamala Mary, wife of Bilavendran, said they were very much sure that her husband and others would not be hanged. "We strongly believe that we will get Justice one day. We believe our prayers will protect their lives. We are very happy and hope they will be released soon," Mary told TOI over phone from Karnataka.

Oneindia News