MUMBAI: In the on-going Pramod Mahajan murder trial, angry outbursts and emotional speeches are becoming a regular feature.

Pradnya Munde, wife of BJP leader Gopinath Munde and sister of Pramod Mahajan lashed out on Thursday at accused Pravin Mahajan and his family while deposing about Pramod Mahajan's murder.

The defence completed cross-examination of Ms. Munde and when the court asked her if she had anything more to say she told the court about how Pramod Mahajan had helped the family out and how Pravin had been ungrateful. An emotional Ms. Munde burst into sobs after the cross-examination was over and said, "Pramod shouldered the responsibility of looking after four siblings with love. Even today this 45-year-old Pravin lives off Pramod's money." As the Additional Sessions Judge S.P. Davare, defence and prosecution, other lawyers and audience looked on, she kept pointing at Pravin and made several personal comments about him, his wife Sarangi and their children.

She told the judge, "I realised that Pramod was such a gem when several people came to visit him in hospital but Pravin never realised that." Ms. Munde did not stop at that but went on to say that Pravin shot her brother when he was unaware. Addressing defence counsel Harshad Ponda she said, "If you had seen Pramod in that condition you would not have defended Pravin." Not sparing the judge either, she said, "What would you do if you had been shot at unawares? You will know the condition of my mother if you bring her to the court." She also accused the media of "making a hero out of a villain" and not bringing out the "goodness of Pramod Mahajan." She left the witness box sobbing and the hearing ended as soon as she left.

Mr. Davare did not place her comments on record. Regarding this episode, Special Public Prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam said, "This was an emotional outburst and it will not affect the merits of the case in any way." Prior to this incident, Mr. Ponda cross-examined her and asked several questions related to April 22, 2006, the day of the shooting, their house in Chembur, Pravin's house in Thane and nicknames used by the family members to address each other. He also asked her about the allegation that their mother refused to stay with Pravin Mahajan after he decided to move out.

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