Karthik had killed 10 years ago

Karthik Somaiah, who mowed down pedestrians in Indiranagar last weak, had killed a man ten years ago.

He was then 18 years old, and was arrested for killing N Chandran (30), a plumbing contractor, on Brigade Roadu00a0 while riding his bike in the wrong direction with two friends as pillion, just a week after getting his learner's licence.u00a0

The trio was ripping through the busy road at 9.30 pm, after a visit to Golden Rose Bar.
u00a0
"The records show Karthiku00a0 was riding the bike in a no-entry direction with two people behind him. He was not only a reckless rider but had an habit of violating the law."u00a0 said Praveen Sood, additional commissioner of police (Traffic).

A case was registered in the court, but Karthik was acquitted after a three-year trial, for lack of evidence.

"I think the family members of the victim had struck a compromise with Karthik,"u00a0said a senior police officer.

"Otherwise, there was no way he could have got away."

However, Chandran's family members said they did make any compromise, but were helpless since witnesses did not co-operate.

"We were surprised to know the same man who killed my brother ten years ago was caught for a similar crime," said Mahalakshmi, Chandran's sister.

"Somehow, he escaped in our case, but I hope he will be punished at least this time."