The Hindu : National : Pravin denies killing Pramod

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Tuesday, Oct 30, 2007
ePaper

National

National

Pravin denies killing Pramod

Staff Reporter

Says he knew about death from newspapers
Denies demanding money from brother

MUMBAI: Pravin Mahajan, accused of killing his brother and BJP leader Pramod Mahajan, once again denied the murder charge. He replied in the negative to most questions posed by court during the recording of his statement under Section 313 of the Criminal Procedure Code.

In the statement, which will mark the end of recording of evidence unless he proposes any defence witness, 46-year-old Pravin said most of the time, “I don’t know” or “false.”

There was intense speculation over whether Pravin would call any witness for his defence and say anything about his alleged surrender.

Additional Sessions judge Srihari Davre asked Pravin, the youngest brother of the five Mahajan siblings, numerous questions about the April 22, 2006 incident, in which Pramod Mahajan was shot allegedly by Pravin. He succumbed to his bullet injuries 12 days later.

Claims denied

Pravin denied several claims in Rekha Mahajan’s testimony about her trying to push him away and the sound of the firing of bullets. He said “false” to questions pertaining to his presence and position as explained by another eyewitness and their domestic help Mahesh Wankhede, thus denying the murder charge repeatedly.

He denied the evidence put to him with regard to BJP leader Gopinath Munde’s statement, and said he got to know about his brother’s death through newspapers.

Pravin continued with his denials as Mr. Davre asked whether he was aware of the threat message allegedly sent by him to Pramod Mahajan or if he had asked for money from the deceased.

However, he did admit to being present at the Worli police station on April 22, 2006 and agreed that the revolver presented before the court was his.

He said “true” to most of the questions about the childhood of the brothers and that Pramod Mahajan looked after the younger siblings after their father’s death.

He even said, “Maybe true” about some forensic and ballistic evidence put before him.

Composed

Dressed in a purple kurta and looking composed, Pravin heard each question carefully before replying. His wife, Sarangi and two children were present throughout this recording.

The court may allow Pravin to speak in detail about the incident after all questions are put to him.

The recording of the statement will continue on Tuesday.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

National