Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SP)
Mangaluru, Feb 18: Relating to the murder of Rekhappa Lamani in 2016 at Panambur, the third additional district and sessions court here has announced life term jail sentences to the accused. Those who have been held guilty and sentenced happen to be Nagaraj Govindappa Lamani (28) from Devearagudde, Ranebannur, and Veeresh Shivappa Lamani (32) from Hanumapura, Ranebennur.
The victim, Rekhappa Lamani, was also from Ranebannur. He happened to be the husband of the elder sister of Nagaraj Govindappa Lamani's wife.
Rekhappa Lamani
Nagaraj, who resided at Hosangady, Manjeshwar in Kasargod district, was a coolie by profession. He had invited Rekhappa Lamani to Hosangady after finding work for him there. Nagaraj was attracted towards Papi alias Savitri, wife of Rekhappa Lamani. Rekhappa, who realised this, prepared to return to his hometown on September 4, 2016. Nagaraj, who could not bear the thought of parting with the company of Savitri, brought Rekhappa to Mangaluru along with friend Veeresh. At a bar they ensured that Rekhappa got heavily drunk. Rekhappa was then taken in an auto rickshaw to Panambur where he was murdered by smothering him with bare hands. They also had dropped a huge boulder on Rekhappa's skull before leaving.
The incident came to light after two days. It was registered as unnatural death. After the receipt of post-mortem report, the case was converted into murder. The then police inspector of Panambur station, Lokesh A C, investigated the case and filed charge sheet in the court.
On behalf of the prosecution, 22 persons were examined as witnesses. As there were no eyewitnesses for the murder, judge of the court, Basappa Balappa Jakathi, relied heavily on circumstantial evidence in arriving at a conclusion and delivering the verdict.
In addition to sentencing the duo to life terms, the judge also imposed a fine of Rs 10,000 each on them. Out of this, Rs 10,000 has been ordered to be disbursed to Rekhappa Lamani's wife. The judgement dated February 16 also directed the district legal services authority to pay suitable compensation to Rekhappa Lamani's wife.
Public prosecutor Narayan Serigar argued the case on behalf of the prosecution.