(Order of the Court was made by C.T.SELVAM,J.,)

The Appellant/Accused No.1 is one of the accused, who stood trial in case tried by learned Sessions Court, Nagapattinam in S.C.No.80 of 2009. While the second accused stands acquitted, this Appellant/Accused No.1 stands convicted for offences under Sections 376 and 302 IPC and sentenced to undergo life imprisonment and fine of Rs.20,000/- i/d 3 years S.I. for the offence under Section 302 IPC and to undergo life imprisonment and fine of Rs.20,000/- i/d 3 years S.I. for the offence under Section 376 IPC.

2.The prosecution case is as follows:-

i)The 1st and 2nd accused were friends of P.W.1. They all belong to fishermen community. The appellant/accused no.1 came to Seruthur Village and resided in a portion of the house belonging to one Vaiyapuri. The appellant/accused no.1 used to take his meals at the house of P.W.1. A2 was also a resident of the said Village.

ii)Four months prior to the occurrence, the appellant/accused no.1, towards sexually exploiting the elder daughter of P.W.1, by name Jagadeeswari, took her to a nearby place. They were spotted by one Arumugam and thus such attempt was thwarted. After such incident, the appellan