Click to play videoMumbai: Convicted of murdering his elder brother and senior BJP leader Pramod Mahajan, Pravin Mahajan is now out on parole. However, he is using the fact that he is out of jail to defend himself in the media and at times, even raising questions on his late brother's character. In an exclusive interview to CNN-IBN, Pravin Mahajan insists he is innocent.
"I have not killed Pramod, it was an accident. My bhabhi (sister-in-law) and the domestic help said in court that they saw me firing at Pramod, which is not true. I will go to the Supreme Court," Pravin Mahajan tells CNN-IBN.
"He had two flats in Mumbai, yet he lived in a third flat. What else can I say," he adds.
Out on parole from Arthur Road jail on grounds of personal medical reasons, Pravin Mahajan has been seen in newspapers lately talking at length about his experience and almost justifying his deeds, leading to the question - is this permissible under the law?
Senior criminal lawyer, Majid Memon says, "If you have been given parole on certain grounds but you come out and use your liberty for purposes other than the grounds for which it has been given then you this parole is likely to be cancelled or refused on the next occasion."
However, senior criminal lawyer, KTS Tulsi says, "He has the right to defend himself. He has to return to society one day and Pramod Mahajan is not a stanger. He was a famous man."
However, this temporary freedom could now get even shorter for Pravin. The Police Commissioner of Mumbai has told CNN-IBN, "We are now examining the legal aspects pertaining to Pravin Mahajan's acts during parole and will act accordingly."
Ironically, granting parole had become an issue last month when Manu Sharma - convicted of killing model Jessica Lall - secured parole claiming his mother was ill. Pravin Mahajan's case is now raising similar concerns.
People who have seen Pravin Mahajan's picture in papers with a smile on his face say it's a mockery of law. Manu Sharma's parole was terminated midway after a media outcry. However, in Pravin Mahajan's case, the media seems more forgiving, at least for now.
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