Representational Image. (IANS Photo)
Court rejects leniency, son sentenced to life for brutal assault on parents
Kohima, May 30 (MExN): A court in Nagaland has sentenced a 37-year-old man to rigorous imprisonment for life for brutally assaulting his stepfather and grievously injuring his mother with an iron rod, a stool bench and a hammer following a quarrel over a mere Rs 100.
The Court of the Principal District and Sessions Judge, Kohima, presided over by Mezivolu T Therieh (NJS), on May 29, convicted the accused, Rukhetoulie Chupuo, aged about 37 years at the time of the incident, for offences punishable under Sections 302 and 325 of the Indian Penal Code.
According to the statement issued by Abraham, Additional Public Prosecutor, Kohima, the tragic incident occurred on December 19, 2022, at Model Village, Viphoma, inside the parental residence. The accused demanded Rs 100 from his parents and upon being reprimanded, retaliated violently. Armed with an iron rod, a stool bench, and a hammer, he inflicted fatal injuries upon his stepfather, late Thepfulhoulie Peya, and grievous injuries upon his biological mother, Touviu Peya, who was subsequently rushed to the hospital in an unconscious state. Following the incident, the accused absconded from the scene.
During the trial, the prosecution examined 11 witnesses in support of the case. The prosecution on behalf of the State was conducted by Abraham, Additional Public Prosecutor, Kohima, while the investigation was carried out by UBSI Lhouvizhu Kense.
Upon appreciation of the evidence on record, the learned Court convicted and sentenced the accused to rigorous imprisonment for life along with a fine of Rs 5,000 under Section 302 IPC, and in default of payment of fine, to further undergo simple imprisonment for one year. Under Section 325 IPC, the accused was additionally sentenced to undergo simple imprisonment for three years and to pay a fine of Rs 2,000, and in default thereof, to undergo simple imprisonment for six months.
While rendering the judgment, the learned Court observed that although the mitigating circumstances put forth by the defence, including the health condition of the accused, were duly considered, the gravity and brutality of the offence committed within the sanctity of the parental home resulting in loss of life and grievous hurt could not be overlooked. The Court held that the aggravating circumstances substantially outweighed the mitigating factors. The court thus concluded that gravity of offence justified the sentence imposed.
The Office of the Additional Public Prosecutor expressed appreciation to the investigating agency, witnesses, and all stakeholders whose coordinated efforts during investigation and trial contributed towards the successful prosecution of the case. The office further reiterated its unwavering commitment towards upholding the rule of law, safeguarding the interests of victims, and ensuring effective and fair prosecution in the pursuit of justice.
