‘Cyanide’ Mohan asks for benefit of doubt

Mohan Kumar on Monday put forth his arguments before the Karnataka High Court which is hearing his appeal against death sentence imposed on him by a trial court in Dakshina Kannada.

BENGALURU: Mohan Kumar on Monday put forth his arguments before the Karnataka High Court which is hearing his appeal against death sentence imposed on him by a trial court in Dakshina Kannada for rape and murder of three women. He was brought to Bengaluru from Central Prison at Hindalaga in Belagavi for the hearing. Fully prepared Mohan Kumar argued his case before the division bench of Justice Ravi Malimath and Justice John Michael Cunha.

In his more than two-hour argument with regard to death of 22-year-old Anita who was found dead in a toilet at Hassan bus stand on June 18, 2009, Mohan Kumar said that the prosecution has failed to prove the case beyond reasonable doubts and hence he is entitled for the benefit of doubt.
“Despite I pointed it out and pleaded innocence, the trial court did not consider my request. Considering my arguments, set aside the trial court judgement,” he prayed.

Submitting the written arguments he prepared on his own in Kannada, Mohan explained ‘contradictions’ in the police probe, and cited several judgements to support his plea.
He argued that as per the claims of police, the victim was made to consume pills laced with cyanide. But, the FSL report revealed that the death was due to insecticide consumption. Police also seized the jewelleries of his wife but showed them as of victims, he said. 

Mohan claimed that the police played mischief for fixing him. “ They have recorded the statement of witnesses that I used condom before committing  rape on the victim. The very same police stated that I made victims to consume pills laced with cyanide to avoid them from becoming pregnant.. Is there any logic in this?,” he said.

“The priest of Annapoorneshwari temple temple deposed before the police that I went to temple to repent for the sin by offering pooja. Will any accused confess to his offence before priest? And how could I go to the temple which is situated behind the police station and surrounded by police quarters?,” Mohan added.
Mohan, who was earlier a school teacher, said he required five days to prepare for argument in one more case wherein also death penalty was imposed. The case was adjourned to Tuesday.