Justice after 16 years in Tirunelveli murder case Palayamkottai.com

Justice After 16 Years: Tirunelveli Youth Murder Case Ends with Life Sentences for 10 Accused

In a significant verdict that brings closure to a long-standing murder case, the IV Additional District Court in Tirunelveli has sentenced 10 individuals to life imprisonment for the murder of 22-year-old J. Regan from Koothenkuzhi, a coastal village under the Koodankulam police station limits.

Background of the Incident

The roots of this tragic case go back to November 2007, when a heated dispute erupted between two youth groups during a cricket match in Koothenkuzhi. Tensions escalated quickly, culminating in a brutal premeditated attack just two months later.

On a fateful day in January 2008, Regan and his friends Kaniston and Elton were returning home from the police station after complying with anticipatory bail conditions. As they neared Vijayapathi, a gang intercepted their vehicle. Armed with sickles and country-made bombs, the assailants launched a deadly assault. Regan was killed on the spot, while his two companions narrowly escaped.

Investigation and Trial

The Koodankulam police registered a case against 19 individuals in connection with the murder. Over the years, three of the accused passed away, and the case slowly progressed through the judicial system.

In a verdict delivered in June 2024, Judge A. Robinson George of the IV Additional District Court pronounced 10 of the accused guilty of murder. The court found them guilty under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Explosive Substances Act.

Verdict and Sentences

The following ten individuals were convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment, along with a fine of ₹1,000 each:

1. Gandhi alias Rajendran alias Siluvai Antony (68)

2. Ganesan alias Ganesh (40)

3. Silambarasan alias Simbu (39)

4. John Paul alias Jesuvadiyan Paul (42)

5. Vinoth alias Vinoth (42)

6. Sanjay alias Arul Sahayaraj (44)

7. Anton (41)

8. James (39)

9. Michael (43)

10. Anthony Michael (39)

In addition, Gandhi and Ganesh received further punishment under IPC Section 326 (causing grievous hurt with dangerous weapons) and Section 5(a) of the Explosive Substances Act. All sentences will run concurrently.

Six of the accused were acquitted by the court due to lack of evidence.

Legal Charges Involved

The convictions were based on:

• IPC Section 302 – Murder

• IPC Section 148 – Rioting, armed with deadly weapons

• Section 3(a) of the Explosive Substances Act

• Section 5(a) of the Explosive Substances Act (for selected accused)

• IPC Section 326 – Causing grievous hurt with dangerous weapons

A Message on Conflict and Resolution

This tragic case serves as a powerful reminder of how everyday disputes—such as one sparked during a casual game of cricket—can escalate into irreversible violence. Sixteen years later, justice has finally been delivered, but the loss of a young life and the consequences for ten families underline the urgent need for peaceful conflict resolution and stronger community engagement.