By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: The trial of the Williamnagar gang-rape case is set to be delayed yet again with the transfer of the adhoc judge of the Tura Fast Track Court.
The transfer of the judge has come as a major setback to this case as the same will render the court non-functional till March 31.
West Garo Hills Deputy Commissioner, Pravin Bakshi on Thursday said that looking at the critical of the case the district administration is planning to intimate the State Government to appoint a new judge immediately to prevent any further delay in conducting the trial.
“The biggest fear is that the court will remain non-functional without a judge”, Bakshi said while adding that he had requested the present judge to prolong the stay till a new one takes charge.
The case had to be transferred to the Tura Fast Track Court in the absence of one in Williamnagar.
The Deputy Commissioner also informed that a regular briefing on the case has been sought from the Meghalaya State Women’s Commission as well as the Social Welfare Department.
“I have directed the district level officers to keep in touch with the family members of the victim to ensure
that her security and identity is not compromised with”, he added.
Commenting on the status of the case, Bakshi said that steps have been taken to ensure that no external forces are involved in influencing the girl.
“At present she is being kept in a safer place and I have instructed the officers in charge to be vigilant. In case of any threat or security-related issue, proper protection will be provided to the girl and her family”, Bakshi said.
Hinting that there were incidences where the mother of the girl was not allowed to visit her, the DC said that the concerned authority looking into the welfare of the girl has been intimated to allow the mother to meet her daughter as many times as she wants.
Commenting on the alleged non-admission of the girl in any school, Bakshi said “It is not a matter of a school willing to admit her or not but it is more on the selection process”, while adding that everything has to be taken into consideration while selecting the school best suited for the girl which includes proximity, security and the like.