A Kerala-based worker was sentenced to 10 years of rigorous imprisonment on Tuesday for attempting to murder his employer by pouring a chemical substance on him. The second additional district and sessions court, Udupi (circuit bench at Karkala), sentenced Ratheesh KT, 42, a resident of Kannur district, Kerala, to 10 years of rigorous imprisonment and imposed a fine of Rs 30,000.
Incident Background
According to the complaint filed by Sudhir PA, a resident of Thrissur, Kerala, the incident stemmed from an altercation on February 28, 2022. Sudhir and his worker Ratheesh attended a birthday gathering at a plantation owned by Ajith Augustine in Mandadijeddu, Chara village. Later that night, both consumed alcohol. During a conversation, Sudhir reprimanded Ratheesh for not performing rubber tapping properly and asked him to improve, citing other workers as examples. This led to a heated argument that escalated into a physical scuffle. During the altercation, Sudhir's finger accidentally hit Ratheesh's left eye. Those present intervened and separated them.
The Attack
Nurturing a grudge, Ratheesh allegedly attempted to murder Sudhir around 1 am on March 2, 2022. While Sudhir was asleep near the workers' quarters staircase at the plantation, Ratheesh poured a hot chemical substance on his face, chest, and body with intent to kill. Based on the complaint, a case was registered at Hebri police station under Sections 326(A), 307, 504, and 506 of the IPC.
Investigation and Trial
The investigation was initially carried out by then PSI Mahesh TM, and later by PSI Sudarshan Doddamani, who completed the probe and filed a chargesheet. The accused is currently lodged in Hiriyadka prison.
