Srinagar: The verdict in the Kathua rape and murder case is likely to be delivered by the Pathankot special court today. The trial had ended on June 3 and six of seven accused have been convicted.
Village head and prime accused Sanji Ram, two special police officers Deepak Khajuria and Surender Verma and Head constable Tilak Raj convicted by the special court. However, Sanji Ram’s son, Vishal, has been acquitted in the case.
The rape and brutal murder of an eight-year-old nomadic girl in Kathua in Jammu and Kashmir shook the nation on January 10, 2018. She was abducted and allegedly held captive inside a temple in Rasana village of Hiranagar area. She was allegedly drugged and raped repeatedly before being murdered. Her body was found dumped in the adjoining forest area on January 17. The case had witnessed widespread protests across the country.
Public prosecutor Sankoth Singh Basra said the prosecution has a water-tight case.
“We hope the verdict will go the prosecution’s way. I am satisfied with the evidence presented in the court,” said Basra.
Tight security has been put in place in and around the court and in Kathua in view of the judgment.
The trial of the court was shifted to the District and Sessions Judge, Pathankot in June last year upon prior direction given by the Supreme Court after lawyers in Kathua prevented the crime branch officials from filing a charge sheet against the accused.
The former lawyer of the victim’s family stated that it was a difficult case as the tri-colour was misused and two cabinet ministers — Chander Prakash Ganga and Lal Singh — had participated in a rally organised by the Hindu Ekta Manch in support of the accused arrested by the state crime.
