BELAGAVI : Death row convict Umesh Reddy, a notorious rapist and killer, showed no emotions when the news of the rejection of his Review Mercy Petition by the Supreme Court was broken to him on Friday.
Reddy, who allegedly raped and murdered dozens of lone women is in jail since Aug 28, 2006. On Friday, he was told about the rejection of his petition. Hindalga Jail officials told that he did not express any feeling when he was informed of the Supreme Court’s move. Officials told him that they received a soft copy of the court order and will issue him a copy when they get a signed hard copy.
Reddy, who was acquitted in many rape and murder cases, was sentenced to death in connection with a rape in 2006. He had challenged the verdict of the lower court in the high court. However, the high court upheld the lower court’s order. He later filed for a mercy petition with the governor, which was also rejected. His appeal for mercy petiton with President of India was also rejected. Finally, he had filed for the Review Mercy Petition with the Supreme Court.
Advocates say that Reddy can still postpone his death and get a chance to live as he can file ‘Curative Petition’ before the Apex Court and can challenge the rejection of his Review Mercy Petition. “The punishment cannot be executed until both of his petitions, if he files, are rejected,” a noted advocate known for pleading criminal cases opined.
In case he opts not to use his remaining legal options, Reddy can be hanged only after he gets the hard copy of the court verdict. The jail, after getting the hard copy, will send it to the trail court which sentenced him first. That court in return will issue a ‘black warrant’ letter to the jail, which then will proceed with the hanging procedure.
Jail authorities said Reddy is healthy and has been lodged at a special cell where no other prisoners can either talk or see him. Reddy, had been placed in Bellary jail after his arrest and shifted to Hindalga after pronouncement of capital punishment, as Hindalga jail is the only jail in the state equipped with a facility to hang.