Dharmapuri case: execution on Jan 10

The orders were passed as the Madras High Court recently upheld the death sentence awarded to them by a lower court here in the 8220;bus burning case8221; in which three girl students of an Agricultural University were burnt alive in February 2000, he said.

The accused, however, could go in appeal to stay the execution, he said.

Confirming the death sentence awarded by a lower court in Salem, a division bench of the Madras High Court on December 6 held that the prosecution had proved the charges beyond reasonable doubt.

The bench also confirmed the conviction of 25 others in the case and awarded maximum two years sentence to all of them.

A Tamil Nadu Agricultural University bus was set on fire by AIADMK symathisers in Dharmapuri in Salem district to protest the judgment of a special court which sentenced former Chief Minister Jayalalithaa to one year RI in the Pleasant Stay Hotel case.

Three girl students were burnt alive in the incident.