The Madras High Court on Thursday upheld the sentence of life-imprisonment on retired Army officer K. Ramaraj for the murder of a 13-year-old boy in July, 2011, for trespassing into an army residential compound here.
Ramaraj, on July 3, 2011 opened fire on Dilson, who, along with a group of boys from a neighbouring slum, sneaked into Old Fort Glacis Officers' Enclave near Island Grounds to pluck some fruits.
On April 20, 2012, the trial court held Ramaraj guilty of murder under Section 302 and screening or concealing evidence under Section 201 read with 302 of Indian Penal Code and provisions of the Arms Act. He was sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of the boy. The court also slapped a fine of Rs. 60,000, of which Rs. 50,000 was to be paid to Dilson's mother Kalaivani as compensation.
Against the judgment of the trial court, Ramaraj filed an appeal before the Madras High Court seeking to set aside the conviction and sentences imposed on him.
Dismissing his appeal, the Bench comprising Justices S.Rajeswaran and P.N.Prakash said, “we conclude that the prosecution has proved the charge beyond all reasonable doubt that the appellant (Ramaraj) had fired at Dilshan with his rifle at 1.30 p.m on July 3, 2011 resulting in Dilson’s death. Therefore, the charges under Section 302 (murder) of IPC stands proved.”
