J U D G M E N T

Shaffique, J.

This appeal is filed by the accused in SC No.272/2013 challenging judgment dated 15/12/2014 of the IIIrd Additional District and Sessions Judge, Kasaragod by which he was convicted and sentenced to undergo imprisonment for life and to pay a fine of `25,000/- for offence u/s 302 of I.P.C. in default of which, to undergo rigorous imprisonment for one year. There was also a direction to pay an amount of `20,000/- to PW5, wife of the deceased, on realisation of fine.

2. One Raju was stabbed to death on 9/1/2013 at around

7.00 p.m on the Kanhirampoil-Ettupothippadu road at Bedur. Investigation revealed that the accused had committed the crime by stabbing Raju along his left shoulder with a knife. Final report was filed by the Circle Inspector of Police, Hosdurg before the Judicial First Class Court, No-1, Hosdurg. Learned Magistrate committed the matter to the Sessions Court, Kasargod. The accused denied the allegations against him and pleaded that he is not guilty.

3. In order to prove the prosecution case, 20 witnesses were examined. Exts.P1 to P21 were marked and MOs 1 to 5 were produced and identified. After complying with the requisite procedure, the learne