Trial in Basheer death case to begin on Dec 2

Thiruvananthapuram: The first phase of the trial in the case concerning the death of journalist K M Basheer, who was killed after being hit by a speeding car driven by IAS officer Sriram Venkitaraman, is set to begin at the first additional sessions court on Dec 2.
Of the 100 witnesses in the case, 95 are expected to testify during the trial, which will run until Dec 18.Key witnesses who were present at the scene of the accident will testify between Dec 2 and 6.
The second phase of the trial is scheduled for Jan 2025, during which the investigating officers will give their depositions.
The trial revolves around charges against Venkitaraman under IPC Section 304 for culpable homicide not amounting to murder, Section 279 for rash driving, Section 201 for destroying evidence, and Section 184 of the Motor Vehicle Act.
The Supreme Court had earlier dismissed a petition by the accused seeking to drop the charge under IPC Section 304, stating that the charge would stand, and directed him to face trial. This led the district court to order Venkitaraman to appear for trial. The high court had previously upheld the same stance, and Venkitaraman had approached the Supreme Court to challenge the high court's order.
Earlier, the district sessions court had revoked the IPC Section 304 charge, but the state govt challenged this decision in the high court. IPC Section 304 carries a minimum sentence of 10 years' imprisonment, while Section 304-A for causing death by negligence carries a maximum sentence of two years.