By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: The trial of the Williamnagar gang-rape case will begin on April 4 following the appointment of a new judge at the Tura Fast Track Court on Monday.
Informing this, West Garo Hills Deputy Commissioner Pravin Bakshi said that the State Government, through the Law Department, recently issued a notification for appointment of retired MCS officer N Sangma as the new ad hoc judge of the Tura Fast Track Court.
The new judge assumed charge on Monday.
Sangma, who has replaced the previous ad hoc judge who was transferred on March 31, has been appointed for a period of one year which could be extended if the need arises.
The case had to be transferred to the Tura Fast Track Court in the absence of such court in Williamnagar.
Bakshi also informed that the trial will be conducted on alternate days and the charges have already been framed. “Nothing will be left undone. We will ensure that everything is done in a speedy manner,” Bakshi added.
Reacting to queries on the delay in conducting the trial even after the appointment of a new judge, Bakshi said that as per the law, the accused has the right to find a lawyer to defend himself or herself.
“I have been informed by the public prosecutor that all the accused have been given time to find lawyers and the first trial will be conducted on April 4,” he added.
The Deputy Commissioner also informed that transportation and lodging costs for the witnesses who will be brought from Williamnagar to Tura will be borne by the district administration to prevent any inconvenience to the witnesses and at the same time to provide security to them.
The victim has already secured admission in a school in Williamnagar with East Garo Hills Deputy Commissioner Vijay Mantri acting as the ‘temporary guardian’ of the girl to ‘instill confidence in her’.
It was on December 13 last year that the 18-year-old girl was gang-raped by 16 youths, most of them minors, while she was returning home after attending a festival.
All the accused have been arrested and charges framed against them.