Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SP)

Mangaluru, Aug 25: A man who had been arrested seven years back for possessing a pistol without permission, stands sentenced to five years rigorous imprisonment for the crime. Bhaskar alias Bachu (33), resident of Sasihithlu Aggidakaliya, has been found guilty of possessing an arm, possession of which is prohibited.

The district and sessions court here, while awarding the above sentence, also imposed fine of Rs 10,000 on him.

Bhaskar had been arrested on November 15, 2010, from near HMC Way Bridge in Suratkal. A seven-inch long pistol on which the words, 'only for army supply' were carved, was found in the waist portion of the trousers he was wearing. The pistol bore serial number 77770.

The then police sub-inspector of Suratkal station, Ramesh Hanpur, based on reliable information, had conducted an operation in which the accused was held and booked under Indian Arms Act. Later, he had completed investigation and filed charge sheet in the court.

Chief district and sessions judge, K S Beelagi, recorded statements of six witnesses in the case on behalf of the prosecution including that of arms expert, N G Prabhakar, who testified that the pistol in possession of the accused was banned.

The judge who found that charges against the accused were proved, held Bhaskar guilty in a judgement delivered on August 22. Quantum of sentence was announced on August 24. The guilty has been ordered to undergo 30 days of additional imprisonment in case of his failure to pay the fine.