Yoshida Susumi

Case Summary

The defendant, Chief Petty Officer Yoshida Susumi, was an agricultural overseer in Bumblitan near Port Blair where the victim, Subaiya, a civilian, lived. On the day of the incident, Yoshida went to Subaiya’s house and demanded some eggs. On being told there were none, Yoshida proceeded to search through Subaiya's house, and found some paddy. Yoshida accused Subaiya of stealing the paddy, to which Subaiya denied. In response, Yoshida took Subaiya, his wife and children to his house and there tied him to a wooden beam and beat him into unconsciousness with a stick.

After Subaiya regained consciousness, he was assisted home by his wife. However, the injuries sustained by Subaiya turned septic, and he subsequently died. 

For more information see:

http://www.legal-tools.org/doc/217442/

http://www.legal-tools.org/doc/1578c1/

http://www.legal-tools.org/doc/419086/

http://www.legal-tools.org/doc/2953a0/

In reaching its findings, the Court had given gave Yoshida the benefit of the doubt for two reasons: (i) Subaiya's death could not be proved to be caused solely by Yoshida's actions; and (ii) The timely disappearance, through Japanese action, of the wife of Subaiya.