On 21 April 2025, the Nagercoil Principal Sub Court sentenced Killiyoor MLA and Congress representative S. Rajesh Kumar, along with two others, to three months in prison for obstructing government officials from carrying out their duties during an incident that took place in 2014.
According to the prosecution, a man named Joseph, along with his son Pauldurai and daughter-in-law Subitha, had allegedly encroached upon government-owned “Kalam Poramboke” land to build a house. Following a complaint, revenue officials from the Vilavancode taluk inspected the site and confirmed the unauthorized construction. They subsequently issued notices demanding removal of the encroachment.
When the officials arrived at the site with an earthmover to carry out the demolition, they were reportedly obstructed by Joseph, Pauldurai, Subitha, Amos, Ditto, and MLA Rajesh Kumar. A heated exchange ensued as the group allegedly tried to prevent the demolition work.
A case was later filed at the Karungal police station against all six individuals, charging them under various legal provisions including obstruction of public servants, attempted murder, and assault. During the lengthy legal proceedings, three of the accused Joseph, Pauldurai, and Ditto passed away.
After more than a decade, Assistant Sessions Judge S. Assan Mohamed of the Nagercoil Principal Sub Court pronounced the verdict, sentencing Rajesh Kumar, Subitha, and Amos to three months of imprisonment and imposing a fine of ₹100 on each. Special Public Prosecutor J.R. Hercules represented the government during the trial.
(With inputs from The Hindu)
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