1. This appeal has been filed aggrieved by the order of conviction and sentence passed by the Additional Sessions Court cum F.T.C. No. II, Kancheepuram in S.C. No. 22 of 2007, dated 24.09.2008.

The case of the prosecution in brief:

2. PW-7, who is running a Travel Agency by name Geo Travels at Bangalore, requested PW-2 who was the owner of the Qualis Car bearing registration No. KA-03-MA-7449 on 04.03.2004, to send the Car for a passenger who wants to travel from Bangalore to Chennai. Accordingly PW-2 asked his driver Ravindrathan (PW-1) to take the Car and pick up the passenger. (PW-1) Ravindrathan took the Car and at about 5.30 p.m. when he was proceeding near Magestic Anandha Circle, Bangalore, the accused waved his hands and Ravindrathan (PW-1) stopped the Car and accused after confirming the name of the Car driver, told Ravindrathan (PW-1) that he was the passenger who wanted to go to Chennai. The accused boarded the Car and sat in the rear seat. When the Car was proceeding towards Chennai, en-route, Ravindrathan (PW-1) and the accused got down at Krishnagiri and had dinner. Thereafter, the Car further proceeded and came to a halt at 1.00 a.m. on 05.03.2004, since the