Seven-year jail term for 15 convicts in Koppal jatra killing

Koppal: The principal district and sessions court in Koppal sentenced 15 persons to seven years of rigorous imprisonment in connection with a murder that took place during a village fair in 2019 at Taluvagera in Kushtagi taluk.The incident occurred on March 27, 2019, during the Sharana Basaveshwara Jatra in Taluvagera village under Kushtagi police limits. According to the prosecution, complainant Jagadish Hawaldar and his friends were passing near the Durugamma temple, when a group of 17 accused persons, armed with clubs, cricket stumps, stones, and chilli powder, reportedly picked a quarrel.During the altercation, Mallappa Kandakoor was allegedly assaulted with a cricket stump and stones, resulting in his death on the spot. Jagadish Hawaldar and others sustained grievous and minor injuries. The complaint also stated that women among the accused threw chilli powder and issued death threats.A case was registered at Kushtagi police station. The investigation was conducted by police circle inspector Suresh Talawar, who filed the charge sheet before the court.On Feb 28, principal district and sessions judge C Chandrashekar pronounced the judgment, convicting 15 accused and sentencing them under relevant IPC provisions. The court also imposed a total fine of Rs 4,12,500.Out of the fine amount, 40% (Rs 1,65,000) was ordered to be paid as compensation to the parents of the deceased Mallappa, while 15% (Rs 62,000) was to be given to Shivappa Kandakoor, who sustained grievous injuries.Two accused, Kontavva, wife of Doddappa Hundi, and Renavva, wife of Nagappa Hundi, were acquitted as the charges against them were not proved.The prosecution was represented by special public prosecutor MA Patil. Court officials noted the assistance of Kushtagi police in producing witnesses before the court during the trial.