7 get lifer in Salem cop murder case

According to the prosecution, Raju (41) of Annadhanapatti was a head constable in the Salem City Police. On April 14, 2014, Raju was found dead under mysterious circumstances on Seelanaickenpatti bypass on the national highway. 

Annadhanapatti police during investigations found out that Raju suffered an injury to his head caused by a stone attack that resulted in his death. Inquiry revealed that on the day of the incident, Raju spotted few persons consuming liquor alongside the road and had questioned their act. An argument broke between the group and the cop, who was in mufti. In fit of rage, the gang attacked the policeman.

In the turn of events, they noticed his identity card and on learning that he was a policeman the gang members feared that they would be punished if he was left alive and smashed his head with a stone. 

During the course of investigation, the police arrested Senthil Kumar, Murugan, Prabhu, Veeramani, Panneerselvam, Balan and Kaattan Raja, who where involved in the crime. 

On completion of the trial, judge Raveendran of Additional Fast Track Court-I in Salem convicted all the seven on Tuesday and sentenced them to life imprisonment, besides slapping a fine of Rs 5,000 on each of them. Following the judgement all the accused were lodged in jail.