Nejaru murder case: Accused appears before court

Udupi: The hearing of witness testimonies in the four-person murder case that took place in Nejar last year has been postponed to November 22, following the withdrawal of defense counsel for accused Praveen Chougle. The proceedings were scheduled at the Second Additional District and Sessions Court in Udupi.

On November 24, the court had ordered witnesses 1 and 2 to appear on November 20 and witnesses 3 and 4 on November 21. Accordingly, Praveen Chougle, currently held at Parappana Agrahara Jail, was brought to the Udupi court on Wednesday. The investigation officer, CPI Manjunatha Gowda of Malpe, presented the accused for questioning.

During the proceedings, Chougle’s defense lawyers informed the court of their decision to withdraw from the case. In response, Chougle stated that his wife would appoint new lawyers.

In a last-minute development, the Special Public Prosecutor, Shivaprasad Alva, raised an objection to the withdrawal of counsel. As a result, the witness testimonies scheduled for Wednesday have been rescheduled for Thursday.

Chougle was escorted back to the Parappana Agrahara Jail under tight police security. Additionally, during the hearing, he made a request to the judges to ensure proper lighting arrangements in the jail.