Udupi: Even after two years, the family of the victims in the Nejar quadruple murder case continues to wait for justice. The trial is ongoing at the Udupi Second Additional District and Sessions Court.
The horrific incident occurred on November 12, 2023, in broad daylight under the Malpe police station limits, where a mother and her three children were brutally murdered.
The accused, Praveen Pradeep Chougule (40), originally from Sangli, Maharashtra and an Air India Express employee, had reportedly developed an unhealthy obsession with his colleague Ainaz (21), daughter of Noor Mohammed from Nejar, who also worked as a flight attendant at Mangaluru International Airport. On the day of the crime, Praveen parked his car near a toll gate and used an auto, bus, and bike to reach Nejar. Around 9 am, he entered Ainaz’s house and stabbed her to death. When her mother Haseena (48), elder sister Afnan (23), and younger brother Aseem (13) attempted to intervene, they were also killed.
An 80-year-old relative, Hajira, present in the house, survived despite sustaining stab injuries. The Malpe police registered a case immediately. A thorough investigation led to Praveen’s arrest on November 14 from Kudachi police station limits in Raibag taluk. Investigators submitted a 15-volume charge sheet totaling 2,202 pages, with 244 pieces of evidence collected.
The trial has now entered the witness examination phase. Key witnesses — including complainant Aifa, her mother Shahin Bibi, and auto-rickshaw driver Shyam — have been examined along with their cross-examinations. So far, five witnesses have testified.
The court has scheduled hearings for eight more witnesses on November 14 and 15, with Noor Mohammed and his son set to record their statements on November 15.
The trial had faced earlier delays due to a high court stay order and changes in defense lawyers. “The proceedings are now progressing smoothly,” stated special public prosecutor Shivaprasad Alva.
