Eight get life term for 2017 murder after Vijayadashami quarrel
Bengaluru court sentences eight to rigorous life imprisonment for the 2017 murder of Harish after a smoking dispute during Vijayadashami.
A Bengaluru court has sentenced eight men to rigorous life imprisonment for the murder of a man in 2017, a killing that followed a quarrel over smoking near his home during the Vijayadashami festival.
The 58th Additional City Civil and Sessions Court, presided over by Judge Sujata M. Sambrani, convicted all accused on Thursday. The sentences were handed down under Section 302 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). The convicted individuals are Gerald Arogyaraj, James Kumar, Venkatesh, Vijay, Kiran, Vikram, and two minors.
The case dates back to October 1, 2017, within the limits of the Ashok Nagar Police Station. Around 12:30 a.m., the victim, Harish, had stepped out to watch the Vijayadashami procession when he noticed three men smoking and talking loudly near his house. An argument broke out after Harish objected to their behaviour. The situation escalated when Harish allegedly assaulted the three men and warned them not to return.
According to the prosecution, the trio later informed other accused about the assault. Days later, the group allegedly conspired to kill Harish and waylaid him near his residence. One accused attacked him with a machete, another stabbed him in the back, and two others crushed his head with a stone, leading to his death. The remaining accused assisted in the attack.
The court also imposed additional sentences under IPC Sections 144, 148, 149, and 341. A total of ₹3.9 lakh from the fines imposed will be paid to Harish's family.