Mananthawadi: The court on Wednesday sentenced first accused in the killing of tribal youth Madhu to 7 years of rigorous imprisonment and fine while the other 12 received 7 years of simple imprisonment. The 16th accused Viruthiyil Muneer was sentenced to three months in jail and Rs 500 fine. As Muneer is in jail already, he may be freed on depositing of the fine.
The first accused Hussain must pay Rs 1 lakh in fine and others Rs 1,18,000 each. These sums shall be paid to Madhu’s mother and sister equally.
The first accused Hussain must pay Rs 1 lakh in fine and others Rs 1,18,000 each. These sums shall be paid to Madhu’s mother and sister equally. 14 persons were found guilty in the case. The trial and sentencing was done by SC/ST Special Court in Maanthawadi.
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Pakkulam Tavalam Mecheriil Hussain (54), is first accused in the case. Others are : Kullamala Mukali Kilila Marakar (37), Mukali Vachola Shamsuddin (37), Mukkali Thushseri Radhakrishnan (38), Thenkara Pallipadi Mukali Vachola Abu Bakar (35), Mukali Pallakkurikal Siddique (42). Ubaid (29) in Totti, Najeeb (37) in Viruthi, Jaiju Mon (48) in Mannambata, Sajeev (34) in Puthanpurakkun in Mukali Kottiurkun, Satish (43) in Muriyakada, Harish (38) in Cherivi, Biju (41) in Cheruvi, Muneer (32) in Viruthi..
The Crime: On 23 May, 2018 a gang of men from Mananthvadi village ganged up against Madhu, a mentally unstable tribal youth. The assailants bound his hands and beat him up for what they said was stealing. Madhu spent most of his time in the forest and ventured to the village only ocassinally on lookout for some food. The brutal lynching of a marginalised tribal over picking a pack of rice and some basic grocery, created shock and outrage across communities.
