Convict seeks re-examination by doctor from outside Pune

State transport bus driver Santosh Mane who was awarded death penalty for killing nine people and injuring several others in a 2012 road rage incident, sought to be re-examined by a psychiatrist from outside Pune to prove that he is of unsound mind.
The request was made by Mane's lawyer Jagdish Mane today before a division bench comprising Justices N H Patil and Anuja Prabhudesai, hearing the death confirmation petition as well as Mane's appeal against his conviction.
Mane (40) was awarded death penalty by a Pune sessions court in December last year for mowing down nine people and injuring 37 others in a road rage incident.

Mane had challenged his conviction on the grounds that he is of unsound mind and is undergoing treatment for mental illness.
Mane's advocate told the court today that while Mane was examined by doctors from Yerwada mental facility, the doctors were never examined as witnesses.
"The doctors from Pune are biased. Mane should be examined by a psychiatrist from any other civil hospital in Maharashtra," Mane's advocate said.

The bench sought to know if this issue had been raised before the trial court.
"You have to make an application if you want the convict to be examined. We will hear your application and see if a case is made out. This plea of unsound mind can be raised during the hearing of the appeal also," Justice Patil said.

The matter has now been posted for further hearing on April 29.
On January 25, 2012, Mane hijacked an empty state transport bus from the Swargate depot in Pune and sped off on the wrong side of the road catching oncoming traffic and people unawares.
Mane rode for about 25 km during which he rammed into moving and stationary vehicles and pedestrians. He was later nabbed by the police.