Praveen Mahajan's trial begins, hearing adjourned

Mumbai, Oct 31: The prosecution today commenced arguments in the Pramod Mahajan assassination case but the court adjourned further hearing to November 10.

Praveen Mahajan, accused of murdering his elder brother and senior BJP leader Pramod Mahajan, stood in the dock while his wife and two children also attended the court proceedings.

Special public prosecutor Ujwal Nikam commenced the arguments while submitting the accused had shot Pramod Mahajan on April 22 and, thereafter, proceeded to the nearest police station and offered his confession. The police sub-inspector, who is the complainant, recorded the statement and followed up with ''panchnama'' of the apartment, gathering circumstantial evidence.

Adv Nikam said 58 witnesses had been cited upto now and few more will be examined as and when the need arises during the course.

Adv Nikam further submitted that when the incident occurred, Praveen was earning Rs 75000 as monthly salary. ''But, the motive behind the murder becomes academic when evidence supports the act,'' Adv Nikam said while contending that Praveen's confession revealed that financial tussle was the motive.

Sessions judge S P Davare adjourned the hearing to November 10 after the defence sought time to go through the evidence reports submitted by the prosecution.

UNI

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