Trial in the Kathua rape-and-murder case began before the district and session judge, Pathankote, as per the Supreme Court's previous order on Thursday.
There was tight security at the court. The counsels of the eight accused sought directions from the court to the Jammu and Kashmir government for the translated copies of the charge-sheets.
“The court has directed us to provide the translated copies of the charge sheets by Monday. We will provide them the copies,’’ said J&K's Advocate General Jehangir Iqbal Ganaie.
The Supreme Court had ordered a day-to-day hearing in the case for its fast trial.
Around 15-20 lawyers had been engaged by the accused for defending their cases.
The alleged rape and murder of an eight year old Bakerwal girl between January 9 and 17 sparked major protests in J&K and across the country. It also saw ruling BJP leaders favouring the Hindu Ekta Manch, an organisation favouring the accused and seeking a CBI probe into the case.
Eight persons, including two policemen, were facing charges in the case.
