The Hindu : Kerala News : Key witness identifies main accused

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Wednesday, Sep 05, 2007
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Key witness identifies main accused

Staff Reporter

During cross-examination in Kanichikulangara triple murder case

Cross-examination of witnesses to continue
Police officers oversee security arrangements

ALAPPUZHA: The cross-examination of witnesses in the Kanichikulangara triple murder case resumed at the District and Sessions Court here on Tuesday.

The day marked a crucial turn in the case with Kuttikrishnan, one of the only two survivors from the Tata Safari that carried Everest micro-finance group promoter T.G. Ramesh, identifying Unni and Ajithkumar, the first and second accused in the case. Mr. Kuttikrishnan testified before the court that he had seen Unni driving the lorry while Ajithkumar was in the driver’s cabin. Another eyewitness, Murali, also identified Unni and Ajithkumar on Tuesday. Mani, the mother of the late Ramesh; Mumtaz, widow of Mr. Ramesh’s driver Shamsuddin; and Shivan, another witness, were also examined on Tuesday.

The case, which had grabbed headlines after the accident that killed Ramesh, his sister Latha and driver Shamsuddin on July 20, 2005, is likely to head into a decisive phase with two more key witnesses set to be examined over the next few days. They include Vijayadharan, father-in-law of Latha, who is the second survivor of the accident along with Kuttikrishnan, and Suresh, who had testified to the police that he had witnessed the conspiracy being hatched.

While Vijayadharan is expected to be brought to court on a stretcher since he is recuperating from another accident, Suresh’s arrival is yet to be confirmed. According to sources, Suresh’s testimony that he had seen Himalaya group managing directors N.S. Sajith and K.M. Binish conspiring with Unni, Ajithkumar and third accused Saju on the Cherai beach before the accident is a key point in the case, linking the Himalaya group to the accident.

Johnson, Mackar and Abdul Kabeer, all of whom are former owners of the lorry that was used by Unni and Ajithkumar allegedly to ram into the Safari carrying Ramesh, will also be examined over the next three days. Inspector General of Police Vincent M. Paul and Alappuzha Superintendent of Police E.J. Jayaraj were present to oversee security arrangements.

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