Tamil Nadu: Four were given life sentences in 2015 for killing a moneylender in retaliation

For the 2015 retaliatory killing of a moneylender, the Principal District and Sessions Court in Thoothukudi found four people guilty of life sentences and found seven others not guilty. According to sources, Pichaiah Thevar, a moneylender, was assassinated early on March 10, 2015, at Kongarayakurichi, close to Srivaikuntam, by up to 14 persons. The goal of the murder was to exact revenge for the July 2015 hacking death of activist and teacher Sam Devasahayam at the hands of sand smugglers.

Devasahayam is said to have been assassinated while persistently bringing up unlawful sand mining activities in the Thamirabarani River in his petitions to the district government. Next, a group assassinated Pichaiah, believing he had contributed financially to the bail requests of the assassins of Devasahayam. Sources said that the murder incited caste rivalry between groups of the lower classes at the time.

Anthoniraj (41), Robin (27), Ravi (48), Anbu Patturaj (40), Subburaj (45), Jegan Robert (33), Vijay (30), Muthupandi (35), Chellappa (52), Pichandi (47), and Selvaraj (28) as well as two children were among the 14 persons charged in the FIR about Pichaiah’s murder. During the proceedings, one suspect, Parthiban, passed away.

Principal District Judge M Selvam heard the case on Wednesday. After finding Anthoniraj, Robin, Ravi, and Anbu Patturaj guilty of Pichaiah Thevar’s murder, the other defendants were let free. Sections 341 and 302 of the Indian Penal Code carried a life sentence and a <1,000 fine for the four convicted parties. According to an attorney, Robin was also sentenced to an extra year in jail for offenses under section 324 of the IPC. The Juvenile Justice Board is now holding a trial for the charges that are still outstanding against the kids.