(1.) The appeal is directed against the conviction and sentence of the appellant for the commission of offence under Sec. 302 I.P.C. As per the judgment dtd. 14/6/2019 in S.C.No.464/2017, the Additional Sessions Judge-II, Thalassery found the appellant guilty of murder and sentenced him to life imprisonment and fine Rs.50,000.00 with a default clause of rigorous imprisonment for one year.
(2.) The prosecution case is summarised as follows:
(3.) Upon getting information about the unfortunate incident, PW12, an employee of the deceased, rushed to the hospital and found the deceased lying dead there. The Doctor present in that hospital (PW22) handed over a bundle of currency notes amounting to Rs.50,000.00 found in the pocket of the deceased to PW12 and asked to remove the dead body to Pariyaram Medical College for inquest and other proceedings. PW12 reported the incident to the Kelakam Police which registered Ext.P11 F.I.R at 5:00 p.m on 8/1/2006. PW26, the Circle Inspector of Police, Peravoor took over the investigation and arrested the accused at 4:45 p.m on 9/1/2006. The Investigating Officer proceeded with the usual formalities of preparation of inquest report, mahazar etc and making arrangements for autopsy. The weapon used for the commission of the crime, which was a double edged knife of peculiar nature, along with its sheath, was recovered from a nearby canal on 10/1/2006 on the basis of the information received from the accused. After the completion of the investigation, PW26 laid the final report before the Magistrate concerned.