Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SP)

Mangaluru, Feb 14: The first district additional and sessions court here, through a judgement delivered on Monday February 13, has sentenced a couple from Noojipady, Vasappa Gowda (50) and Yamuna (43), to three years each of imprisonment and fine of Rs 4,000 each. They have been held guilty of culpable homicide not amounting to murder.

In a quarrel that broke out between the said couple and their neighbour, Monakka (38), over a frivolous issue about three years ago, Monakka had lost her life. On February 18, 2014, poultry birds belonging to Monakka had entered the compound of Vasappa Gowda and Yamuna, who were Monakka's next door neigbours. On this issue, both families had exchanged heated words. Thereafter, Dasappa Gowda and Yamuna had been to a road by the side of Monakka's house, where they hurled abuses at Monakka at around 2 pm the same day. Monakka too reached the spot, after which the fight turned physical. Yamuna was accused of hitting Monakka in her waist with a piece of wood, while Vasappa hit Monakka's head. Monakka, who suffered grave injuries, died the next day, although she was taken to Wenlock Hospital and treated there.

The then Bantwal station inspector, Rajashekhar B Misri, had registered the case. His successor, inspector B K Manjaiah, had investigated the case and filed charge sheet in the court. Judge of the district additional and sessions court, C M Joshi, awarded the above sentence to the couple. He also ordered the couple to undergo two additional months of imprisonment if they fail to pay fine. Out of the fine, Rs 5,000 has been ordered to be disbursed to Monakka's husband, Krishnappa, as compensation. Krishnappa has three children, and the judge has asked legal services authority to provide suitable compensation for the children.

Public prosecutor, Raju Poojary Bannadi, had appeared on behalf of the prosecution in the case and 18 witnesses were examined.