Smitha murder: Death for Viswaraj

ALAPPUZHA: Viswaraj, 22, Santhoshbhavan, Vayanakam, Ochira, the accused in the rape and murder of Smitha, 34,  RK Nivas, Karazhma, Koipilly, Mavelikkara, was sentenced to death on Thursday.
Mavelikkara Additional Sessions Court II judge A Badharudheen also imposed a fine of Rs 1 lakh on Viswaraj and the amount will be given to the kin of the victim. After the verdict, the police shifted the convict to the Poojappura central prison.
As per the report submitted by the police in the court, Smitha, an employee of a fancy shop in Kayamkulam, was raped by Viswaraj on October 24, 2011, while she was on her way back from work.
Viswaraj attacked Smitha with a wooden plank before raping her. But, when he heard the sound of passers-by, he pushed Smitha, who was unconscious, into a marshy land. However, the locals saw her and admitted the victim to the Kayamkulam Taluk Hospital.
Later, Smitha died on the way while being shifted to the Alappuzha Medical College Hospital.
The police found a mobile phone used by Viswaraj from the spot and took him into custody on the same night. A police team led by Kayamkulam DySP S Devamanohar and CI A R Shanihan completed the investigation and submitted the final report in the court in three months.
Additional Public Prosecutor S Ramanan Pillai appeared on behalf of the prosecution while G Madhu, an amicus curiae appointed by the court, appeared for Viswaraj.
Smitha was a widow and was staying with her father Ramakrishnan Achari, mother Ramani and daughter Varsha at Olakettyambalam. She was the only earning member of the family.

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