The Manjeri Fast Track Court Judge S Satheesh Chandrababu on Saturday awarded 10 years rigorous imprisonment to the three accused in the Chelembra bank robbery case.
Prime accused Vaniyampurakkal Joseph alias Jaison alias Babu,46, of Kottayam, Kadayil Shibu alias Rajesh, 31, of Thrissur, and Nankaladath Radhakrishnan, 50, of Moodadi in Kozhikode are those who were sentenced for rigourous imprisonement.
Fourth accused Kanakeswari, 39, wife of Radhakrishnan, was sentenced to five years of rigorous imprisonment. Kanakeswari will be set free after depositing the fine amount as she has completed five years and one month in jail during the trial period.
The first and third accused were sentenced under IPC Sections 380, 457, 461 and 120B. They have to pay a fine of `50,000. Second accused Kadayil Shibu alias Rajesh, who was sentenced under IPC sections 380, 457, 461, 120B, and 201, has been directed to pay a fine of `60,000.
If they fail to pay the fine, they will have to undergo one more year of imprisonment.
Fourth accused Kanakeswari was sentenced under IPC sections 120B, 457 and 380.
Considering the difficulties faced by the persons who pawned gold in the bank, Special Public Prosecutor K P Padmanabhan Nambiar had argued for maximum punishment to the accused persons.
“The verdict is satisfactory. All the accused have got maximum punishment,” he said after hearing the verdict.
The seized gold ornaments and money will be given back to the South Malabar Gramin Bank Chelembra branch where the robbery occurred on the night of December 30, 2007.
The court has also ordered to confiscate the four vehicles used by the culprits.
Accused to Move HC
Meanwhile, the accused have decided to approach the High Court to stay the verdict of the Fast Track Court. The accused may file an appeal to the High Court on Monday.