SC Verdict shocking; will file review petition in Soumya murder: Kerala CM
Synopsis
SC annulled the death penalty given to Govindachami in Soumya murder case. The verdict evoked strong resentment in Kerala. Kerala Chief Minister said that the resentment and protests are justified. The verdict questioned common sense and shocked conscience, Kerala CM said.
Terming the Supreme Court verdict on Thursday commuting the death sentence of Govindachami in Soumya murder case as shocking, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said that the government will file a review petition as early as possible.
"The trial court and the High Court considered all sides of the case before handing out the death sentence in the case," Vijayan said. There are forensic and other scientific evidence in the case based on which the trial court decided to go for the capital punishment. "But the SC verdict distrusted all such evidence," he regretted.
Also read: Soumya murder: Govindachami escapes noose
Referring to SC judgement, Kerala CM said: "This is not a punishment. And the verdict raises serious concerns for all those who value humanity."
Also read: Soumya murder: Kerala Govt. under fire for 'criminal lapse'
The disappointment and resentment expressed over the verdict by Soumya's mother, and the general public is entirely justified. The government will file a review petition immediately. "I will meet that mother. And the government is committed to doing whatever in its capacity to ensure justice to the memory of Soumya," Pinarayi Vijayan said.
Also read: Prosecution fumbles as apex court seeks evidence in Soumya murder case
Meanwhile, resentment is brewing across the state over the Supreme Court verdict in Soumya murder case. Youth organisations are protesting in many parts of Kerala against the verdict. The Youth Congress and the Yuvamorcha, the youth wing of BJP, took out a protest marches in different parts of the state and burnt effigies of Kerala Chief Minister and Law Minister.
Soumya, 23, was found in the bushes near a railway track at Shoranur in critical condition on 1 February 2011. Govindachami, 33, a physically challenged beggar, allegedly threw her off from the lady’s compartment of the train during a robbery attempt and raped her on the track. The victim succumbed to her injuries on 6 February. The police arrested Govindachami, a single-handed vagabond, On February 3 from Cuddalore. The incident triggered an outrage and raised serious safety concerns of female passengers in trains.