Kuchibhotla’s murder:  Accused pleads not guilty

HYDERABAD: The 52-year-old US Navy veteran, accused of killing Indian techie Srinivas Kuchibotla pleaded not guilty in the US court where he is being tried for murder. However, the Kuchibotla family members back in Hyderabad expressed confidence that Adam Purinton will be convicted with the charges of first-degree murder.Almost 11 months of the incident of killing over hate crime at Kansas in the USA, accused Adam pleaded not-guilty during a preliminary hearing. The court has postponed the next hearing to May 8, 2018.

On February 22, Adam Purinton, has fired at two Indians Srinivas Kuchibotla and his friend Alok Madasani, and also an American for attempting to rescue the Indians. Eye-witnesses and the victims claimed that Purinton had shouted ‘get out of my country’ and opened fire at the two Indians. The 32-year-old Srinivas was newlywed and was working for Garmin company. His wife Sunayana Damala flew back to the US and started a legal battle.

On Friday, during the preliminary hearing of the case, accused Adam filed a petition before the court there pleading not-guilty, stating that it was not a deliberate act. However, the court postponed the case to May next year for further hearing.

Speaking to The Express, Venumadhav Gajula, cousin of Srinivas living in Hyderabad, said “Judgement would be in favour of Srinivas. The accused US man will be convicted for killing Srinivas. His wife Sunayana, is still in US and will take care of the further legal proceedings.”
The incident of alleged hate crime took place when Srinivas and his friend Alok were at the Austin’s Bar.