'Want to take care of my mother, wish to become lawyer and offer free legal services to poor'; accused in Vineetha murder case requests court to acquit him

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Kanyakumari Thovalai native Rajendran, the accused in the Vineetha murder case, asserted his innocence during the court proceedings. He was responding to the judge’s question about whether he felt any remorse.

“I have no remorse because I haven’t done anything wrong. The higher courts will prove my innocence. I have a 70-year-old mother to take care of. I wish to study and become a lawyer so that I can offer free legal services to the poor. Hence, I request the court to acquit me,” Rajendran stated.

Rajendran, who had committed three similar murders in Tamil Nadu, was out on bail when he killed Vineetha. Public prosecutor M. Salahudeen argued that if sentenced to life imprisonment, Rajendran might secure bail again and commit further murders. Therefore, he demanded the death penalty. The verdict on sentencing is expected on Thursday. The case is being heard by Judge Prasoon Mohan of the Seventh Additional District Sessions Court.

Rajendran was found guilty by the court on April 10. The crime took place on February 6, 2022, at approximately 11:50 am, when he visited Vineetha’s home under the guise of purchasing a plant and killed her in order to steal a gold chain weighing four and a half sovereigns.

Seven reports were submitted to the court covering aspects such as the accused’s social background, possibility of mental reform, mental state, chances of rehabilitation, behaviour with fellow inmates, lifestyle, measures needed for reform, past criminal history, and details regarding his assets and liabilities.