Judgement in pension cheating case after 23 years

A local court here has sentenced six former government treasury employees to 18 months imprisonment for cheating pensioners some 23 years ago.
The case was going on in the Judicial Magistrate's court in nearby Coonoor since 1992 and the judgement came last night at around 10.30 PM, court sources said today.
The prosecution case was that 23 persons, including staff of sub-treasury in Coonoor, have withdrawn pension by forgery, even after the death of some pensioners. They also have taken loan from the fund, forging the signature of the account- holders during the period of 1987 to 1992.
Delivering the judgement, Magistrare, V Anuradha sentenced six persons to undergo imprisonment for 18 months and also asked them to pay a fine of Rs 1,500 each.

While two of the accused were acquitted, 15 persons died during pendency of the case.