Pramod Mahajan murder case trial to commence from Wednesday

Mumbai, Mar 19 (UNI) Eleven months after the incident of firing at former BJP General Secretary Pramod Mahajan, allegedly by his brother Pravin Mahajan, trial in the case will commence from Wednesday, in the session court, here.

Pravin Mahajan, younger brother of Pramod, had allegedly shot at Pramod on April 22, last year at the latter's residence in Worli.

Pramod later succumbed to the injuries at the P D Hinduja Hospital, on May 3, 2006. After the incident, Pravin had himself surrendered before the Worli police alongwith the weapon used for the offence.

Special Public Prosecutor Ujwal Nikam confirmed the trial will commence before Additional Sessions Judge Srihari Daware from Wednesday. However, he declined to disclose who will be the first witness in the box.

Judge Daware framed two counts -- murder and criminal trespass against Pravin. The judge read out the charges to Pravin and asked whether he accept them, in reply to which he said 'No' and pleaded not guilty.

Prosecution had submitted the copies of the compact disk recorded by the police at the time of Pravin Mahajan's disclosure of the crime at the police station on April 22.

Immediately after filing of the chargesheet on July 14 last year, Pravin had moved a bail plea before a fast track sessions court, which was rejected on August one on the grounds that there was strong prima facie evidence against him.

The charges were framed on January 23 this year.

Pravin has been lodged in the high-security cell of Arthur Road Jail since his arrest.

UNI