Chennai: Retired Lt Col Kandasamy Ramraj has been sentenced to life for killing 13-year-old Dilson. He was shot in the head after he strayed into a defence residential area to pluck fruit in July 2011.
Dilson's mother's tears and prayers have finally been answered. Kalaivani has got justice for the murder of her son nine months ago.
"Justice has been done. I hope this punishment serves as a lesson for others," Kalaivani said.
Lt Col Ramraj was arrested a week later and he confessed to the crime. The court examined 55 witnesses, including Dilson's friends and army personnel, before delivering the verdict.
Additional PP M Alagarasan said, "After incident came out of his fortress and tried to destroy evidence. Watchman of the officers' enclave also clearly deposed before the court."
Ramraj will now serve a concurrent life sentence and a three-year imprisonment under the Arms act for possessing a rifle without proper license.
A few months back, when Dilson lay dead, several questions were raised on whether his family would get justice. Today, justice has been done and the culprit has got maximum punishment but for Dilson's family, the loss and the scar of having lost a dear one will remain forever.