All 3 accused in Samatha case get death penalty

Adilabad: In a historic judgment, a special fast-track court on Thursday sentenced the three accused to death in the sensational Samatha gangrape and murder case.

The verdict was rendered within 66 days of the incident. Taking serious note of the incident, the Telangana State Government constituted a fast-track court for the speedy disposal of the rape and murder case in December last.

On November 24 last year, the 30-year street vendor was allegedly raped, and her throat was slit by the accused Shaikh Babu, Shaikh Shabodd and Shaikh Mukdum in Kumram Bheem Asifabad district.

The victim's family was residing in Yellapatar village in Jainoor mandal of the district.

Special Judge M G Priyadarshini delivered the judgement after hearing the versions of the public prosecutor and defence. The judge examined nearly 25 witnesses and went through 140-page charge-sheet filed by the investigating officials.

The DNA reports and other evidences found at the scene of crime were found crucial in disposing of the case on a priority basis. Additional Public Prosecutor Ramana Reddy told newsmen that the court also sentenced the trio to life imprisonment under 376D, SC, ST Act and imposed fine of Rs 2,000 each to the accused for rape and murder case. The victims were sentenced to three years in prison for stealing the cell phone and Rs 200 cash and was fined Rs 1000 each, he said.

The accused pleaded with the judge to reduce the sentence to life imprisonment as they were from poor background and had to take care of their family and children. The prosecutor said that the judge rejected the plea on the grounds that the crime committed by the three is barbaric and heinous.

He also said that Adilabad Bar Association members did not come forward to pursue the case. A senior advocate Rahimoddin had taken up the case on behalf of the accused.