Sullia: The Senior Civil Judge and JMFC Court in Sullia has convicted and sentenced a man in two separate criminal cases involving theft and escape from police custody. The court awarded prison terms and imposed fines after finding the accused guilty under various provisions of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).
The accused, identified as A M Aziz, a resident of Ajjavara, was convicted in cases that were registered at different times and involved distinct offences. The judgment was delivered after the court examined the evidence and heard arguments related to both matters.
One-year jail term for escaping police custody
In the case related to escaping from police custody, which was registered at Sullia Police Station in 2018 under Section 224 of the IPC, the court found the accused guilty of unlawfully escaping while under lawful detention.
The court sentenced Aziz to one year of simple imprisonment and imposed a fine of Rs 5,000. In the event of failure to pay the fine, he will have to undergo an additional 45 days of simple imprisonment.
The conviction marks the conclusion of legal proceedings that had been pending since the case was registered in 2018.
Conviction in theft case registered in 2006
In a separate theft case dating back to 2006, the court found the accused guilty under Sections 457 and 380 of the IPC.
Section 457 pertains to lurking house-trespass or housebreaking by night with the intention of committing an offence, while Section 380 deals with theft committed in a building, tent or vessel used as a human dwelling or for the custody of property.
For the offence under Section 457, the court sentenced the accused to three years of simple imprisonment and imposed a fine of Rs 5,000. If the fine is not paid, he will have to undergo an additional 45 days of simple imprisonment.
Under Section 380, the court awarded another sentence of three years of simple imprisonment and imposed a fine of Rs 5,000.
Court delivers judgment
The judgment in both cases was delivered by T Damayanthi Somayya, Senior Civil Judge and JMFC, Sullia. The court pronounced the verdict after hearing the cases and considering the evidence placed on record.
The conviction brings to a close two separate criminal proceedings that had remained pending for several years. The ruling also underscores the judiciary’s continued efforts to ensure accountability in cases involving theft and offences against lawful custody.