Trichy Sessions Court Delivers Life Sentence in 2024 Student Murder Case
A sessions court in Trichy delivered a significant verdict on Thursday, sentencing three notorious history-sheeters to life imprisonment for the murder of an 18-year-old college student. The tragic incident occurred near the Cauvery riverbank in Srirangam during the Aadi Perukku celebrations in August 2024, sending shockwaves through the local community.
Details of the Fatal Assault
The victim, identified as M Ranjith Kannan, was a first-year student at Thanthai Periyar College and hailed from Viralimalai in Pudukkottai district. On the evening of August 2, 2024, Ranjith had visited Pushpaka Nagar in Geethapuram to meet relatives. Accompanied by his cousin, he went to watch the river during the festive Aadi Perukku celebrations.
Around 7 pm, a group of individuals confronted Ranjith. This group included three known rowdies from the Ammamandapam area—P Vijay (25), M Suresh (27), and R Naveen Kumar (25)—along with three juveniles. According to the prosecution's case, the accused, allegedly under the influence of alcohol, initiated a quarrel over Ranjith's presence in the area, questioning why an 'outsider' had come there.
Brutal Attack and Legal Proceedings
The confrontation quickly escalated into a violent assault. The group brutally beat Ranjith with sticks, inflicting grievous injuries. Despite being rushed to a hospital for emergency medical treatment, Ranjith succumbed to his wounds, marking a devastating loss for his family and community.
Following the incident, Srirangam police promptly registered a murder case and arrested the three adult accused. The juveniles involved were produced before the Juvenile Justice Board, where separate legal proceedings continue to address their involvement in the crime.
Investigation and Court Verdict
The Trichy city police conducted a thorough investigation and filed a comprehensive charge sheet in the case. The trial proceeded under Section 103(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, focusing on the severity of the offense.
After a detailed trial, the Principal District Judge of Trichy convicted the three accused individuals. The court sentenced them to life imprisonment, emphasizing the gravity of their actions. Additionally, each convict was fined ₹1,000 as part of the judicial punishment.
Police Commendation and Community Impact
Trichy city police commissioner N Kamini publicly commended the investigating officers for their diligent work. She highlighted the prompt probe, timely production of witnesses, and effective efforts that led to securing the convictions. This case underscores the importance of swift legal action in addressing violent crimes and delivering justice to victims and their families.
The verdict serves as a stern reminder of the consequences of such brutal acts, particularly those targeting young individuals in community settings. It also reflects the judicial system's commitment to upholding law and order in Trichy and surrounding regions.
