Nejar murder case: Accused Praveen Chougule's trial delayed until July 18 due to judicial vacancy

The hearing of the infamous Nejar quadruple murder case, involving accused Praveen Chougule, is postponed until the appointment of a new judge to the Second Additional Sessions Court. The previous judge, Dinesh Hegde, has been transferred, creating a vacancy that has yet to be filled.

Originally, court proceedings were scheduled from June 13 to June 15. However, due to the absence of a judge, the accused Praveen Chougule was presented via video conference before acting judge Srinivas Suvarna, who subsequently deferred the hearing.

Recently, the district principal judge Shanta Veer Shivappa, along with four other judges, were also transferred. Despite new appointments to replace them, no one has been designated for the position left vacant by Judge Dinesh Hegde.

The case had been progressing swiftly under Judge Hegde, who handled both civil and criminal cases and managed cases from Karkala taluk on Mondays and Tuesdays. He has now been reassigned to Bengaluru.

The incident in question occurred on the morning of November 12, 2023. Four individuals were killed on the spot, while one person sustained severe injuries. After committing the crime, accused Praveen Chougule fled but was apprehended by the police days later. He i at Parappana Agrahara Jail and has been attending hearings via video conference.

The hearing for Praveen Chougule has been rescheduled for July 18. Originally set for June 16 to 18, the proceedings were delayed due to the transfer of the Second Additional Sessions Judge. The court awaits the appointment of a new judge to resume the trial.