Nellai man sentenced to life for murder

The accused, identified as Balasubramanian (41) of Sankar Nagar Street in Vadamalai Samuthiram, was found guilty of murdering Subramanian (40), a construction worker, of the same locality, the prosecution said.

According to sources, both the deceased and the accused contested for the post of ward councilor in Kalakad town panchayat during the 2011 local body polls. However, Sethu, who also contested for the post, won. The defeat irked Balasubramanian and led to developing enmity with Subramanian, thinking that he was the cause for his defeat in the poll.

Balasubramanian, along with Nellaiappan (52) and Thyagarajan (58), then attacked Subramanian on December 18, 2011, leaving him with serious injuries. Although he was admitted to hospital, Subramanian succumbed to injuries the next day. The Kalakad police subsequently filed a case.

After hearing the case, N Vijayakanth, the Fourth Additional District Judge in Tirunelveli, pronounced Balasubramanian guilty of murder and sentenced him to undergo life imprisonment. Besides, a fine of Rs 10, 000 was also imposed on him. However, Balasubramanian’s accomplices Nellaiappan and Thyagarajan were acquitted of charges, sources said.