Murderer Praveen's early release: Final decision after meeting with officers, says Araga Jnanendra

Bengaluru: Final decision on the early release of murder convict Praveen Kumar will be taken only after a meeting with government officials, said Home Minister Araga Jananendra on Wednesday, August 10.

Issuing clarification on the matter, the home minister said that the proposal came to the fore as the previous government’s report said Praveen had displayed good behavior while in jail for 14 years.

He said that he was aware of the reservations expressed by Praveen’s own family, including his wife, about his early release. The family has informed the government about the death threats issued by Praveen when in jail, he said.

“This is a special case. I have called a meeting of officers today. We will do what we can according to the law. We provide security for two families,” he added.

Further, Jananedra said that the government had adopted a policy in the last Cabinet meeting that none who are convicted of murder or rape shall be released from prison early. Care will be taken such that such mistakes do not recur, he said.

Praveen Kumar, a resident of Uppinangadi Periadka in Dakshina Kannada district, had murdered his aunt (father’s sister) Appi Sherigarthi, her son Govinda, daughter Shakuntala and Shakuntala’s daughter Deepika in Vanmanjoor on the midnight of February 23, 1994.

This case created a big sensation in the country. Allegations against Praveen were proved from the lower court to the Supreme Court. In 2003, the Supreme Court sentenced him to death.

Praveen, who complained about this, appealed to the President for mercy, which remained pending for 10 years.

Meanwhile, the Supreme Court upheld the order canceling the death sentence of the three convicted of killing former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi. Based on this, Praveen approached the Supreme Court again, which later commuted the death sentence to life imprisonment.

Praveen is currently lodged at the Hindalaga jail in Belagavi.