Suresh alias Appu was found guilty of the murder of 23-year-old J Vinodhini, the only daughter of a poor couple from Puducherry who had just begun to support her family after completing engineering studies.
Police said Suresh had repeatedly expressed his love to her, all of which were rejected. Enraged, he threw acid on her face as she was on her way to board the bus to Chennai from her native Karaikal after the Diwali holiday on November 14 last year. The attack blinded her instantly, and caused fatal burns to the internal organs.
Vinodhini battled for life at many hospitals in Puducherry and Chennai, but died on February 12. The trial that began in June at the additional sessions court in Karaikal concluded on Tuesday, when Suresh, the only accused, was convicted of murder and causing grievous hurt, both carrying life imprisonment. Judge N Vaidhyanathan also directed the accused to pay Rs 1 lakh, half which would go to Vinodhini's family.