Justice Served: Life Sentence in Tragic Domestic Violence Murder Case

In a significant court ruling, Manoj Abraham received a life sentence for murdering his wife Reena in front of their children in 2014. The court also imposed a fine of Rs 2 lakh, ensuring justice for the victim's family by allocating the payment to the children of the deceased.

In a landmark judgment, the Pathanamthitta Additional District and Sessions Court has sentenced Manoj Abraham, 48, to life imprisonment for the brutal murder of his wife Reena, 35, in an incident of domestic violence that shocked the community. The court also imposed a fine of Rs 2 lakh, to be paid to their children.

Judge GP Jayakrishnan, while delivering the verdict, stipulated that failure to pay the fine would result in an additional two-year prison sentence for Abraham. He also received a one-month sentence and a Rs 500 fine for wrongful obstruction. In the event that the fine is not paid, a warrant to collect it from the defendant's property will be issued.

Reena's tragic death on December 28, 2014, followed a violent altercation with her husband. Despite intervention efforts after an initial argument in the evening, another dispute broke out at night, during which Abraham inflicted severe injuries on Reena. She succumbed to her injuries at Kottayam Medical College Hospital.

The case was diligently investigated by Ranni police under inspector T. Rajappan, with a charge sheet submitted in March 2015. The trial underscored the impact of domestic violence, with the court finding Abraham guilty based on substantial witness testimonies, including those of Reena's mother and children. Although her mother has since passed away, her statement played a crucial role.

Prosecutor Advocate Harishankar Prasad's case relied on compelling circumstantial evidence and testimonies from 25 witnesses. The judgment brings a sense of closure to a bereaved family, marking a significant stance against domestic brutality. (ANI)

(With inputs from agencies.)