Kerala beedi baron Md Nisham, who in a fit of rage had allegedly rammed his Hummer car against a security guard, leading to his death last year, was found guilty by a city court on Wednesday.
Delivering his order convicting Nisham of murder among other charges in a packed court hall, First Additional District and Sessions Judge KP Sudheer said he would pronounce the quantum of punishment on Thursday.
Nisham had rammed his luxury car against security guard Chandrabose, 51, after brutally beating him up as he was reportedly angry over the delay in opening the main gate of a posh residential complex 'Shobha city' here on January 29. The case had evoked widespread protests across the state.
Chandrabose's mother and wife Jamanthi, who were present in the court, pleaded for death penalty for Nidham. "I have lost my son. My daugther in-law has lost her husband," his mother said with tears rolling down her aged cheeks.
The prosecution pressed for the maximum punishment i.e. death sentence and a compensation of Rs 5 crore to the family of the security guard.
Public Prosecutor CP Udayabhanu submitted that the "society wanted the maximum punishment meted out to the accused, who is a threat to the society".
The court found Nisham guilty under various Sections of IPC, including 302. The police chargesheet contained scientific evidences and other documents to prove the charges, including murder, against Nisham.
Though Nisham's wife Amal was a witness to the incident, she had later turned hostile. Statements of 12 eyewitnesses, including that of Amal, had been been recorded under Section 164 of the Code of Criminal Procedure.
Besides, statements of over 100 witnesses had also been recorded and attached with the chargesheet.
Nisham, in an "inebriated" state had allegedly assaulted Chandrabose and later rammed his car against him.The severely injured guard, treated in a hospital with ventilator support, died on February 16.
Jamanthi said: "He should get death sentence. Nothing short of death, then only our family will be rendered justice."