Advocate gets life for killing lover inside K'taka HC

The City Civil and Sessions Court on Saturday handed life sentence to an advocate for stabbing his woman colleague to death in the high court premises eight years ago.

Naveena J S (25) was stabbed multiple times by her spurned lover and fellow advocate Rajappa in a corner near court hall number 4 on the first floor of the high court building on July 8, 2010, between 1.45 and 1.50 pm. He entered the washroom on the first floor and tried to commit suicide by drinking poison and stabbing himself.

Rajappa, a native of Seegalapaya in Kolar, was in love with Naveena and was preparing to marry her. Both were practising lawyers at the high court.

But their relationship soured when Naveena got close to another high court advocate. They quarrelled frequently over the relationship as Rajappa accused her of having an affair. It hit a low when Naveena threatened to sever their friendship. An enraged Rajappa decided to kill Naveena and commit suicide.

He entered the high court premises armed with a knife, confronted Naveena, stabbed her multiple times and slit her throat at the busy court hall.

He threatened the advocates gathered at the spot and ran into the washroom, where he swallowed poison and tried to stab himself. But the advocates rushed to the toilet area with the Vidhana Soudha police and arrested Rajappa.

The accused carried a note, in which he professed his love for Naveena and spoke of her betrayal.

The judge at the City Civil and Sessions Court hall no 63 pronounced the life sentence, following the depositions by several advocates and the medical report confirming Rajappa as the killer. The judge also slapped Rs 5,000 on Rajappa, which he was asked to give to the victim's parents.