SC stays execution of two rape-cum-murder convicts

The Supreme Court today stayed the execution of two death row convicts in Karnataka scheduled for tomorrrow even as one of them allegedly attempted to commit suicide in jail.
Shivu Munishetti and Jadeswamy Rangashetti, who had been sentenced to death for brutally raping and murdering a teenaged girl in 2001, had moved the apex court after their mercy petitions were rejected by the President this month.
A bench headed by Chief Justice P Sathasivam issued notice to the Karnataka government, seeking its reponse on duo's plea.
The bench tagged their plea with other cases in which the apex court had stayed the execution of other death row convicts.

Earlier in the day, Shivu allegedly attempted suicide in Hindalga jail in Belgaum in Karnataka amid preparations by prison authorities to hang him along with the other convict.
Shivu slashed his private parts and a hand with a blade, prison officials said. He was being treated in the jail and might be shifted to a district hospital, they said.
Shivu and Jadeswamy were arrested by Chamarajnagar police in connection with rape and murder of an 18-year-old girl on October 15, 2001.