Udupi quadruple murder case accused bail rejected for the second time

Udupi quadruple murder case accused bail rejected for the second time

Mangalore Today News Network

Udupi, March 31, 2024: The regular bail application submitted by 40-year-old Pravin Arun Chougule, accused of murdering four individuals of a family in Nejar, Malpe in 2023, was once again dismissed by the II Additional District and Sessions Judge, Dinesh Hegde, for the second time.

Chougule, a former cabin crew executive of Air India Express, stands accused of the brutal killings of his colleague Ainaz (21), her mother Haseena (46), her sister Afnan (23), and her brother Aseem (12), as well as attempting to murder Ainaz’s grandmother Hajeera, at the latter’s residence on November 12, 2023.

In the ruling delivered on Saturday, the judge cited a ’prima facie’ case against Chougule, highlighting significant evidence such as DNA analysis confirming Chougule’s hair on one of the deceased and bloodstains from a deceased found on Chougule’s attire. Additionally, the judge noted Chougule’s suspicious act of burning his bloodstained clothes near Shambhavi Bridge immediately after the incident.

Special Public Prosecutor Shivaprasad Alva submitted an additional chargesheet, including reports from the Forensic Science Laboratory, DNA tests, and expert statements. It’s worth noting that the judge had previously rejected Chougule’s bail application on December 30, 2023.

The case has been scheduled for a pre-trial conference on April 5, during which the conduct of the trial will be discussed. The judge has requested the attendance of the investigating officer/Circle Inspector from Malpe at this conference.