In-camera proceedings in the now year-old case of the alleged rape of woman in a moving car in the >Park Street area of Kolkata began here on Saturday. The incident occurred in the early hours of February 6, 2012.
The Additional Metropolitan Judge, Fast Track Court III, Maddhuchanda Bose, recorded the testimony of a “planner” of the city-police detective department, an official who had ‘recreated’ the incident and narrated it before the court.
Testimony on March 13, 14
The testimony of the victim will be recorded on March 13 and 14, said Anirban Guha Thakurta, counsel for the victim.
The court, which had fixed charges against three accused in this case on February 19, directed that none except the lawyers, witnesses and the accused would be allowed to be present. Family members of the accused, including media personnel, were not allowed in the courtroom.
Three accused, Sumit Bajaj, Ruman Khan and Nasir Khan who have been charged with gang rape and criminal conspiracy, were produced in court during the day. However no charges have been framed against two accused — including Kader Khan, the main accused — who are absconding.
The rape of the victim, a mother of two, raised questions about the safety of women in the city.
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s remarks that the incident was “staged” to malign her government had evoked strong reactions from various quarters. The woman, however, remained firm on her allegations and demanded justice.
