In the first ever verdict in the solar scam that had rocked Kerala, the prime accused in the case, Saritha Nair and her partner Biju Radhakrishnan have been convicted and sentenced to three years in prison.
The Perumbavoor Magistrate court on Friday, found the duo guilty in the solar panel scam, of gaining Rs 40 lakh through cheating clients. The court has also imposed a fine of Rs 10,000 each.
Co-accused and actor Shalu Menon and her mother Kaladevi were, however, acquitted in the case.
The conviction comes on the basis of a case filed by a man called Sajaad, who had partnered with Saritha and Biju to distribute solar panels.
Sajaad, in his complaint, had said that he had been cheated of the money collected for the business.
Biju and Saritha were accused number 1 and 2 respectively. Sajaad in his complaint had also said that Biju Radhakrishnan, who was the managing director of Team Solar renewable energy solutions had also swindled him by claiming that he had access to top officials, politicians and bureaucrats. Biju had also promised Sajaad that the deal will go through fast, as he had connections with the then Chief Minister Oommen Chandy’s office.
In the first phase, the company took Rs 20 lakh from Sajaad for procuring windmills and solar panels that were to be installed in Nagarcoil. The rest of the Rs 20 lakh were taken in instalments.
However, since the sentence is only for 3 years, the duo will not have to spend time in prison, as sentences for 3 years and below stand automatically suspended pending further appeal.