Indian gets 7-year jail in compatriot's murder over cricket

Dubai, May 2 (UNI) An Indian who killed his compatriot during a cricket match was sentenced to seven years in jail by a Kuwaiti court after the family of the victim pardoned him upon receiving blood money.

The convict had submitted a letter of pardon last month to the court following hectic negotiations between political leaders from Kerala and Andhra Pradesh.

The family of the convict will appeal against the ruling and are hopeful that the sentence would be further reduced. Under the Kuwaiti law, murder attracts capital punishment, unless the family of the victim pardons the convict.

The wife of the victim from Kerala had initially settled for KD 4,000 (I Kuwaiti Dinar is Rs 150) in compensation, but later increased the amount to KD 12,000. A total of KD 8,000 was raised in Kuwait, while the rest of the amount was paid by S Rajashekar Reddy, the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, a Kuwait daily reported.

Simil S, 24, from Andhra Pradesh stabbed Suresh from Kerala last November after both got into argument during a cricket match .

Suresh, 31, leaves behind his wife and two children.

Another Indian man is on death row reportedly for killing his Nepali girlfriend, even as the family of the victim has reportedly pardoned the convict after receiving the blood money. The blood money drive was spearheaded by Indian Overseas Minister, Vayalar Ravi.

UNI XC ARB GC1028