Kathua rape case: Pathankot court frames charges against the accused
The Pathankot district and sessions court, which was hearing the Kathua rape and murder case, has framed charges against seven of the eight accused in the case. The eighth accused in the case is a juvenile. The case was earlier shifted to Pathankot from J&K by the Supreme Court for a fair trail, following a plea by the eight-year-old victim's family. Here's more.
The case that shook the nation
The gangrape of an eight-year-old in Kathua had gained attention for its brutality, but also because of its political ramifications. The victim, a Muslim Bakarwal, was allegedly raped by a group of Hindu men for days before she was murdered. The accused have pleaded not guilty and claimed they are being framed. Controversial protest rallies were also organized in their support.
Why the Supreme Court shifted the case to Pathankot
On May 7, after much hue and cry, the Supreme Court had shifted the case to Pathankot. The apex court took the decision after the victim's family alleged that they had received threats for their own as well as their lawyer's life in J&K. The J&K government has been given responsibility for their security. The trial began from 31st May, on a day-to-day basis.
Earlier, the accused had demanded a CBI probe
The main accused, Sanji Ram, sent an affidavit to the SC demanding a CBI probe, claiming tainted officers were a part of the SIT investigating the case. He alleged he was framed because of police's biases. He had further claimed it would be 'impossible' for 221 prosecution witnesses to travel almost 265km from Kathua for the hearing. However, his demand was rejected by the Supreme Court.
