JUDGMENT :

The present appeal is directed against the conviction and sentence dated 22.07.2016, made in S.C.No.91 of 2014, on the file of the II Additional District and Sessions Court (PCR), Tirunelveli.

2. The appellant is the sole accused. He stood charged for the offences punishable under Sections 354, 294(b), 307, 324 and 506(ii) I.P.C. and Sections 3(1)(xi) and 3(2)(v) of the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act [hereinafter referred to as ''the SC/ST Act'']. After full-fledged trial, the learned II Additional District and Sessions Judge found the appellant guilty under Section 326 I.P.C., convicted and sentenced to undergo rigorous imprisonment for three years and directed to pay a sum of Rs.3,50,000/- as compensation to P.W.8 – Vellaichamy. Similarly, the accused has also been convicted under Section 324 I.P.C. and sentenced to undergo rigorous imprisonment for two years and directed to pay Rs.1,50,000/- as compensation to P.W.9 – Natarajan. In respect of other charges framed against the accused, the trial Court acquitted him.

3. Challenging the said conviction and sentence, the appellant/accused is before this Court with this Criminal Appeal.

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