Nearly two decades after former AIADMK Minister Sudharsanam was murdered in his home near Periyapalayam, the 15th Additional Sessions Court in Chennai on Sunday sentenced three members of the interstate Bawariya robbery gang to multiple life terms.
Sudharsanam, who served as Gummidipoondi MLA and Minister during the 2001–06 AIADMK regime, was shot dead at his residence in Thaakkulam around midnight on January 9, 2005.
The assailants broke into the house, attacked his family members, looted jewellery and cash, and escaped. The brutal killing triggered widespread shock across Tamil Nadu. In the aftermath, then Chief Minister Jayalalithaa ordered a massive manhunt for the culprits.
A special investigation team led by IG Jangid arrested nine people, including Bawariya gang members Omprakash, his brothers Jagadish and Rakesh, and associates Ashok and Jaildar Singh, along with three women accomplices.
During the prolonged legal process, two accused — including Omprakash — died while lodged at Puzhal Prison. The three women, who were released on bail, later absconded. The remaining four accused — Jagadish, Rakesh, Ashok and Jaildar Singh — continued to face trial for nearly 20 years.
The trial was conducted before Judge Abraham Lincoln. Additional Public Prosecutors G. Srinivasan and Maharajan represented the State, while advocate R. Sankarasuppu appeared for the defence.
The court examined 84 witnesses and reviewed more than 100 documents before concluding arguments.
The court convicted Jagadish, Rakesh, and Ashok of murder, robbery, and related offences. Sentencing was pronounced on Sunday.
Judge Abraham Lincoln awarded four life sentences each to Jagadish and Ashok, and five life sentences to Rakesh.
The court ordered that all life sentences must run consecutively, greatly extending the actual prison term. A total fine of Rs 1.30 lakh was also imposed on the three convicts. Jaildar Singh was acquitted after the court ruled that the charges against him were not proven. The verdict brings long-awaited closure to one of Tamil Nadu’s most high-profile political murder cases, which has been pending in the judicial system for almost 20 years.
