(1.) This Criminal Appeal is directed against the conviction and sentence imposed by the learned Additional District and Sessions Judge (Fast Track Court), Ramanathapuram dated 18.11.2008, made in S.C.No.18 of 2001, on theappellant/accused.
(2.) The case of the prosecution is as under:- P.W.1-Malliga is the resident of Pitchai Pilaiyendhal village. He is the wife of deceased Ramasamy. P.W.2-Paulmeni is the son of P.W.1. P.W.3-Ganesan is the resident of Peria Pichai Pilaiyendhal village. P.W.4- Shanmugavel is the resident of Lakshmipuram. P.W.5-Meliselvam is the resident of PichaiPilaiyendhal. P.W.6-Dhanraj is the resident of Seiyamangalam and he is thebrother-in-law of P.W.I. P.W.7- Dharmalingam is the resident of Pitchar Pillayar Kovil. P.W.8-Ramakrishnan is the resident of Thiruvarangam. P.W.9- Periyasamyis the resident of Pichai Pilaiyendhal. P.W.10-Muthupandi is the resident ofParavai. P.W.17-Vellaiammal is blind and deaf.
(3.) P.W.l's husband deceased Ramasamy was an accused for murdering hisbrother-in- law Arumuga Thevar along with Ramar Thevar and Lakhsmana Thevar. Accused Nos.l to 4 are the sons of deceased Arumuga Thevar. Accused Nos.5 and 6 are sons of Lakhsmana Thevar. Accused Nos.7 to 11 are the sons of Ramar Thevar.On 30.07.1999 at about 9.00 P.M., deceased Ramasamy was sleeping on a cot infront of the house of P.W.I. At that time, the accused attacked him with Aruval. This was seen by P.W. 1. At that time P.Ws.2 and 3 were also present in the house.