Six sentenced to life imprisonment

Perambalur, Tamil Nadu, Oct 21 (UNI) A local court has convicted and sentenced six people, including PMK Ariyalur district secretary to life imprisonment in connection with a murder case.

Perambalur Principal District and Sessions Judge Dakshinamoorthy, pronounced the sentence on A Vythilingam (35), PMK Ariyalur district unit secretary, his brother Elavarasan and four associates yesterday.

Observing that the charges against Vaithilingam, Elavarasan, Ramanathan, Rasu, Thavaseelan and Ramachandran were proved beyond doubt, the Judge also imposed a fine of Rs 10,500 on Vaithilinagam and Ramanathan, and Rs 10,000 on Elavarasan, Rasu, Thavaseelan and Ramachandran.

If they failed to pay the fine, they should undergo six more months imprisonment. The sentences would run concurrently, the judge said.

According to prosecution, 11 people, including Vaithilingam, his brother Elavarasan, Sivakumar, Ramanathan, Rasu, Thavaseelan, Ramachandran, Sankar, Pandiyan, Selvakumar and Arokiasamy were involved in the murder of Veera Vanniya Peravai activist R Venkatesan, over political rivalry at Vilanthai near Ariyalur on February 26, 2004.

The Judge, however, released Sivakumar, Pandiyan, Sankar, Selvakumar and Arokiasamy.

UNI RV ROY BDP CS1127 .