VISAKHAPATNAM: A court in Visakhapatnam on Monday slapped a life sentence on the accused Terapalle Arjuna (60), who was found guilty of sexual harassment and throwing acid on a woman on July 3, 2014 leading to her death on July 4.
The convict, a native of Petamalapalle village under Golugonda police station limits in Anakapalle district, sought sexual favour from the victim, a native of Golugonda. When she refused to fulfil his desire, he developed a grudge and decided to eliminate her. He threw acid on her on July 3, 2014.
The victim, who was grievously injured (80 per cent burns) in the acid attack, died while she was undergoing treatment at KG Hospital in Vizag city on the next day of the incident.
Based on the complaint from the victim’s son, the then inspector of police, Narsipatnam rural, A Dasarathi arrested the accused under relevant sections, including 302 of IPC and after carrying out investigation, filed a charge sheet against him.
Public prosecutor V Devananda Rao represented the state. Judge of 12th ADJ Court, P Govardhan convicted Terapalle Arjuna and sentenced him to life imprisonment and slapped a fine of Rs2,000. Anakapalle police chief KV Murali Krishna appreciated the investigation team in the case.
(The victim's identity has not been revealed to protect her privacy as per Supreme Court directives on cases related to sexual assault)
