Death Row Convict Umesh Moves Karnataka HC Seeking Commutation

Infamous serial rapist Umesh Reddy has approached the Karnataka High Court seeking directions for commutation of his sentence to life imprisonment citing ‘compelling and supervening circumstances’. The petition will be heard by the division bench comprising Chief Justice Subhro Kamala Mukherjee and Justice Budihal RB on Tuesday.

The accused contended that the death sentence has been rendered ‘in-executable’, owing to stated facts and circumstances.

He cited that there was excessive delay of two years and three months in the disposal of mercy petition filed by his mother before the President. It was also pleaded that he has been behind bars for more than 18 years, including a period of solitary confinement lasting 10 years, which has led to huge psychological impact on the prisoner who is currently on anti-psychotic medication.

The notorious former reserve police constable, often described as a psychopath serial killer, was involved in a series of rape, murder and robbery cases in Karnataka and other states. He was convicted for rape and murder of Jayashree Maradi Subbiah on February 28^th, 1998, in Peenya police limits. The sentence was upheld by the Karnataka High Court in 2009 and later by the Supreme Court as well.  His mercy petition filed before the President was also rejected.

The Supreme Court’s October 3^rd verdict quashing his review petition, confirmed the death penalty stating, “The petitioner is a menace and has become threat to the society”.

This article has been made possible because of financial support from Independent and Public-Spirited Media Foundation.