The Pratibha murder case has taken one more curious turn.
On Monday, defence counsel Shankrappa argued that the name of the accused is Shivamurthy and not Shivakumar, as has been stated in charge sheet.
To back his stand, he produced the SSLC marks card, driving licence and also a bank statement. All the documents were in the name of Shivamurthy.
The log book maintained by HP, where Pratibha was an employee, shows his name as Shivu. It is only the charge sheet which has the name Shivu alias Shivakumar.
When questioned as to why the charge sheet was signed as Shivakumar, Mr Shankrappa said that the police had forced him to do so.
He however added that he was undecided on whether he should question the very identity of accused.
The court, earlier during the day recorded the statements of Basavaraj, Road Transport Officer, and Chandrashekhar, Assistant Road Transport Officer.
While Mr Basavaraj identified the driving licence issued by him to the accused, Mr Chandrashekhar confirmed the registration of the Tata Sumo in which Pratibha had travelled on that fateful night.
Judge, Sukanya adjourned hearing to Tuesday.