Tirunelveli, Apr 17: A judge in Tirunelveli has awarded death sentences to two people found guilty of murdering former TN law minister Aladi Aruna in December 2004.

A judge in Tirunelveli on Thursday awarded death sentences to two people found guilty of murdering former Tamil Nadu law minister Aladi Aruna in December 2004.

Principal Sessions' Judge Bhasker sentenced to death Bala alias Bala Murugan and Azhagar, who were declared guilty a day ago. A third accused, Veldurai, was awarded three years' rigorous imprisonment.

There was heavy police presence in the court as the sentences were handed down. The city is located 600 km south of Chennai.

According to the prosecution, Aruna, a leading member of the ruling DMK, was murdered in Alankulam near here by hired assassins.

Local educationist SA Raja, charged with organising the killing, was acquitted Wednesday.

"What mistake did I commit? Why did Venkatesan anna (brother) pour kerosene on me and burn me?" These were the words repeatedly uttered by nine-year-old Rebecca when she was being rushed to hospital. She died in the Kilpaul Medical College Hospital on March 28, 2006, without knowing the answers to her questions. Venkatesan anna killed the little girl because he and his girlfriend were dismissed from their job by the girl's mother. He was sentenced to death by K Asokan, judge of the Fast Track Court-III at Poonamallee on Tuesday. "The case shocks one's conscience and the accused is a blot on humanity," observed the judge in his order.