Praveen Chougule, the primary suspect in the brutal Nejaru mother and children murder case, recently informed the Udupi Second Additional District and Sessions Court that he received death threats from fellow inmates in a Bengaluru jail. Following his plea, the court has mandated enhanced security for Chougule within the correctional facility. The threats reportedly occurred on August 7 during his transfer back to his cell after a video conference hearing.
During a recent hearing, Chougule, participating via video link, detailed how three to four inmates, who identified themselves as being from Mangaluru, confronted and threatened him. This incident allegedly took place as he was being escorted to his cell on August 7, immediately after the conclusion of a video conference session related to his ongoing trial. He explicitly stated to the court that his life was in jeopardy.
Responding to the grave allegations, the Udupi court officially recorded Chougule's statement. The presiding judge subsequently issued a directive to the Bengaluru jail authorities, instructing them to implement all necessary measures to ensure adequate protection for the accused while in custody.
Meanwhile, the judicial process in the high-profile Nejaru case continues to advance. The court has now concluded the examination of five witnesses, part of a larger group of 56 individuals slated to testify. On the day the threat was reported, the chief examination and cross-examination for four of these witnesses were completed.
Special Public Prosecutor Shivaprasad Alva conducted the chief examinations, while advocate Raju Poojari represented the accused during cross-examinations. With 47 witnesses still pending, the court has scheduled further examinations for September 11, involving four witnesses, and September 17, for an additional six. Chougule participated in these recent proceedings via video conference from his detention.
Image for illustration purposes only
đź“° Source: Vartha Bharati Udupi