Daijiworld Media Network – Puttur (SP)
Puttur, Aug 3: Vasappa Gowda, a resident of Hatyadka in Beltangady taluk, was sentenced to life imprisonment by the fast track court here on Monday August 1. Vasappa was accused of murdering a person on a deserted stretch of the road between Kokkada and Dharmasthala about 30 months ago.
Vasappa Gowda was charged with murdering Elyanna Gowda, a resident of Boodubail in Kaukrady village. In addition, he has also been awarded a five-year jail term for snatching away gold jewellery belonging to the wife of the murdered man. He also has been asked to pay a fine of Rs 7,000.
Vasappa and Elyanna were friends, and worked as labourers on daily wage basis together. Vasappa, who visited Elyanna Gowda’s home on the night of January 1, 2009, asked Elyanna to accompany him till he gets a vehicle to reach his home. On the way, he asphyxiated Elynna by tightening his shawl around his neck, and dumped the body into a pit dug for planting of tree. He then returned to the home of Elyanna, and escaped after forcibly snatching away a gold chain found in the neck of Elyanna’ wife.
In the judgment, judge of the fast track court, Shivahsnkare Gowda, said that both the charges of murder and theft levelled against the accused have been proved. Vasappa has been ordered to spend another year in jail, if he fails to pay up the fine imposed on him.
Special public prosecutor, Uadayashankar, had presented the case on behalf of the prosecution.