Mangaluru: In a notable turn of events, an accused who was initially acquitted in a robbery case has been sentenced to seven years of rigorous imprisonment by a sessions court in Mangaluru, following an appeal by the prosecution. The convict has been identified as Shivakumar, a resident of Shivamogga.
Details of the Incident
According to public prosecutor Badrinath Nairy, the incident occurred on June 26, 2017, within the limits of Mangaluru South police station, near the football court pavilion. The victim, Lokesh, was walking while talking on his mobile phone when the accused attacked him. Shivakumar allegedly snatched his mobile phone worth Rs 10,000, while the co-accused, Muttum, took away a 10-gram gold chain with a Ganapathi pendant valued at Rs 40,000.
Legal Proceedings
A case was registered, and a chargesheet was subsequently filed against the accused. The trial was initially conducted at the second additional senior civil judge and CJM court, where both accused were acquitted. Challenging the acquittal, the prosecution filed an appeal before the additional district and sessions court (FTSC-1). After hearing the case, judge Mohana JS on Tuesday sentenced the accused under Section 392 of the Indian Penal Code to seven years of rigorous imprisonment, along with a fine of Rs 50,000. The second accused in the case has since passed away.
This judgment underscores the importance of appellate remedies in the criminal justice system, ensuring that justice is served even when lower courts err.
