Ullal communal murder case: 4 get life term for killing Rajesh Kotian

Ullal communal murder case: 4 get life term for killing Rajesh Kotian

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, April 21, 2024: District Sessions Judge HS Mallikarjuna Swamy handed down life sentences to four individuals for the murder of Rajesh Kotian, aged 44. The convicted are Mohammed Asif, alias Achi, aged 23, Mohammed Suhail, alias Suhail, aged 20, Abdul Muthalif, alias Muthu, aged 20, and Abdul Asweer, alias Acchu, aged 19.

The court sentenced the four under IPC Section 302 to life imprisonment, along with a fine of Rs 25,000 each. They were also sentenced to one year of simple imprisonment and a Rs 5,000 fine for the offence under IPC Section 201 (causing disappearance of evidence of offence). Additionally, they will serve six months of simple imprisonment for the offence under IPC Section 143 (offences against public tranquility), and one year each for offences under IPC Sections 148 (rioting with deadly weapon) and 153(a) (promoting enmity between different groups). A portion of the fines, totaling Rs 1.2 lakh, will be awarded to the victim’s wife, Savita, with the District Legal Services Authority instructed to provide further compensation.

The murder occurred amidst communal tension between Hindus and Muslims in Mogaveerapatana, within the Ullal police station limits. Rajesh Kotian, while walking alone on Kotepura road for a fishing trip, was brutally attacked by assailants on April 4, 2016. His assailants, after conspiring to target someone from the opposing community, assaulted him with a stone and a wooden log, resulting in his death. Two individuals involved will face proceedings before the Juvenile Justice Board in connection with the case.