By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: The first trial in the Williamnagar gang-rape case was conducted by the Tura Fast Track Court (FTC) on Wednesday, a day before its scheduled start.
The court on Wednesday saw the statements given by five witnesses including the victim whereby they were examined and cross-examined. The statements from other witnesses will be recorded on the next trial day on Friday.
Seven of the sixteen accused were produced in the court on Wednesday. The case of the remaining nine juveniles is being taken up by the Juvenile Justice Board based in Williamnagar.
Meanwhile, CSWO president Agnes Kharshiing on Wednesday alleged that a portion of the statement of the girl recorded earlier by the Magistrate differs from what the victim actually stated in the court. The same was admitted by the girl on Wednesday.
Kharshiing also alleged that the newly appointed judge of the Tura FTC, Narendra Singh Sangma, a retired MCS, does not have any legal background which might affect delivery of proper justice to the rape victim.
Reacting to this allegation, the public prosecutor in the case, PL Sebastian, said that in Meghalaya, except in East Khasi Hills, the Judiciary is yet to be separated from the Executive and for the past 10 years every trial has been conducted by a judge who is a retired MCS officer.
“In most cases, the judges do have judicial knowledge and there is no doubt on the ability of the judge to carry out the proceedings,” he said.
When asked whether the forensic reports have been provided by the police or not, Sebastian said that the same is still under process, and added that the reports would be presented to the court very soon.
NCW tracks progress
of case
The National Commission for Women (NCW) is closely following up on the developments in the Williamnagar gang-rape case.
“We are in touch with the Meghalaya State Commission for Women (MSCW) on the progress of this case,” NCW member Wansuk Syiem said on Wednesday.
Syiem expressed her happiness that the girl has finally been rehabilitated due to the efforts of the NGOs and the Government.
However, Syiem declined to speak any further in the case, saying that the matter is currently pending in the court.