‘This is not right. Pratibha’s killer deserved a stricter judgement’

Those who saw Pratibha grow up were disappointed after the unexpected judgment on Friday. Her death had shocked them and the judgement came as a bigger shock.

They unanimously felt that the brutal murder deserved the death penalty. Though they suspect that the crime wouldn't have been committed by Shivakumar alone.

One of Pratibha's neighbours, TN Seetha Ramaiah, said, "This is not right. Pratibha's killer deserved a stricter judgment."

Sharadamma, another neighbour, said: "Earlier, the judgement used to come in a few days, and in such a case, the accused would have been beheaded [sic]. This case took close to four years and then came up with such a dissatisfying judgment."

Shivakumar had screamed his innocence many times, alleging others. Sharadamma, added, "Pratibha's marriage itself seems pre-planned and her mother felt something was wrong from the beginning. She didn't approve of the marriage, but couldn't go against her daughter's will. Her husband was a greedy man and had used Prathiba's debit cards for his purchases. Even the house in Kumaraswamy layout, where Pratibha was residing was purchased with Gowramma's money. He even bought a car using her account and had once forced Gowramma to transfer the property to his name. That was the last time he ever approached Gowramma."

There was also palpable fear among the residents of the area. A 79-year-old Rukmini, after much cajoling, said, "After Pratibha's death, we all are scared even to open the door. Such judgements are only giving leeway for such crimes. By appealing to the higher courts, the criminals can go scot-free. Death was all that would have brought a minimal amount of justice to Gowramma."

Rukmini resides on the ground floor of the house, which is rented by Gowramma. "Whenever she feels lonely, Gowramma comes to me, seeking emotional help. Her daughter was the only reason for her survival. Her son-in-law doesn't care for her," Rukmini said.