Kochi: Biju Radhakrishnan’s life term set aside

Kochi: The High Court on Friday set aside the life imprisonment imposed by trial court against Biju Radhakrishnan, a co-accused in the solar scandal, in the case linked to the murder of his wife Reshmi. The division bench has also set aside the three-year imprisonment of the Radhakrishnan’s mother Rajammal in the case. Radhakrishnan has been lodged in Poojappura Central Jail after the trial court convicted him in the case.

Reshmi was found dead in the bathroom of Radhakrishnan’s house near Kottarakkara on February 3, 2006. After confirming the death he absconded from the place. The case, initially investigated by the local police and then the Crime Branch, has charged Radhakrishnan with murder. The probe team stated that the accused forced Reshmi to get drunk and then dragged her to the bathroom before strangling her to death.

The Kollam Principal Sessions Court convicted Radhakrishnan for life imprisonment in January 2014. His mother Rajammal was convicted for three years of rigorous imprisonment and fine of Rs 50,000 for harassing the victim for dowry.

Radhakrishnan challenged the trial court order in the High Court and argued that the evidences against were fabricated. According to him the prosecution has failed to produce any evidence against him other than that of the statement made by the child.

The High Court in its verdict observed that trial court erred in convicting the accused based on the statement made by the child. The division bench has also stated that the prosecution was unable to effectively counter the charges that it has failed to produce any other evidence. The High Court has also expressed dou-bts about the credibility of the statements made by other witnesses.