Pravin's sentencing: Lifer or capital punishment

OH BROTHER: Pravin Mahajan is convicted of BJP leader Pramod Mahajan's murder.

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Rajdeep Sardesai

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Keywords: Murder, Pramod Mahajan

Mumbai: A visit to the temple and a prayer for husband Pravin Mahajan didn’t seem to bring a divine intervention for Sarangi Mahajan. But soon after Pravin entered the court premises, dressed like a politician and waving to the cameras, it seemed like he almost knew the outcome of the nine-month long trial. And then Sarangi’s worst fears came true when the court pronounced Pravin guilty.

During the verdict the court constructed the events leading upto the murder of Pramod Mahajan on April 22, 2006.

Pravin left his home in Thane at around 0530 hours IST to meet his elder brother Pramod. He reached Pramod’s residence at Worli in Mumbai at around 0800 hours IST carrying a licensed pistol.

At Pramod’s residence in Purna Apartments, an argument between the two brothers ensued as soon as Pravin arrived after which he pulled out his pistol and fired three shots at Pramod while the fourth bullet got locked in the barrel.

As the family cried for help, Pravin walked out and surrendered at the local Worli police station.

Now after a nine-month trail, the prosecution will ask for the strictest punishment for Pravin. “We will plead for a death sentence,” former investigating officer, Anil Makwan said.

Pravin, who was seen smiling after the judgment, said, “It was not a secret for the last 10 days. We were prepared for this verdict.”

However, his lawyer Mukesh Modi said he will appeal against the verdict. “We are going to ask for lesser sentence and we will also take the matter up in High Court once the judgment copy is with us,” he said.

The verdict is out, but the legal battle is not over as the sessions court is yet to decide the quantum of punishment. But the choices available to Pravin are clear – it’s either a life sentence or capital punishment.

(With inputs from Karn Kowshik)