Silvester D' Souza

Daijiworld Media Network – Kundapur (EP)

Kundapur, July 8: The charges levelled against two men accused of setting fire to a house arguably on account of long-standing land dispute between the families three years ago were found to have been proved by the court.

As per the judgement delivered by the district and sessions court here on Saturday, July 7 after three years- long trial, residents of Theggarse village, Rajesh Shetty alias Rajendra (35) and Raghavendra Shetty have been sentenced to six years rigorous imprisonment (RI) and a fine of Rs 60,000 was imposed. Judge of the court, Prakash Khanderi, also ordered to pay Kushala Shetty, owner of the house in question, Rs 45,000 out of the said fine.

Wedding of the son of Kushala Shetty had been held on April 22, 2015. All his family people were away attending the wedding, duly leaving behind a local woman, Kaveri Mogaveera, in the house. Meanwhile accused Rajesh Shetty alias Rajesh and Raghavendra Shetty came to the house, threatened Kaveri Mogaveera, broke open the house door, damaged items found inside the house, poured kerosene oil brought by them on the items so heaped and set the house on fire. They also destroyed podium and decorations erected for wedding. The incident came to light when the family came back after the wedding, informed advocate Prakashchandra to the court.

A police complaint was registered in Byndoor police station. The then Byndoor station inspector Santhosh Kaikini had registered a case and arrested the two accused.

Justice Prakash Khanderi who conducted trial after submission of charge sheet awarded fine of Rs fifty thousand and five year's rigorous imprisonment for setting fire to the house, one year's rigorous imprisonment and Rs ten thousand fine for destroying valuables in the house and Rs 45 thousand as compensation to victim Kushala Shetty.