HC to wait for forensic report before closure

SHILLONG: The High Court of Meghalaya will wait for the report of the Central Forensic Science Laboratory (CFSL) before closing the proceedings on the petition seeking CBI probe into the assault of activists Amita Sangma and Agnes Kharshiing.
Hearing the pending PIL moved by Amita on Friday, Chief Justice Mohammad Yaqoob Mir said the objective of the petition has been achieved and proceedings will be closed after the CFSL report is filed before the court of competent jurisdiction (trial court).
The forensic report will be ready after the completion of DNA profiling of the victims and weapons used for committing the offence.
The matter will be heard after three weeks.
Earlier, the court had mentioned that the Deputy Superintendent of Police, who is the investigating officer, filed an affidavit on March 20 stating that the investigation was completed, charge sheet submitted for commission of offences punishable under sections 307/392/326/34 IPC before the District Magistrate (Judicial) Khliehriat, East Jaintia Hills.
Out of 26 accused persons, five are absconding. Besides, it was stated that the CFSL report would be filed by way of supplementary charge sheet.
Thirty-four persons have been cited and listed as prosecution witnesses whose names have not been disclosed so as to prevent any influence or threat or coercion to them, the court said.
In a separate hearing, the court also took up the petition of Defender Pakem, who is an accused in the assault case.
The counsel for the petitioner stated that he would appear before the investigating officer and in case he appears, the standing warrant of arrest as well as proclamation declaring him as an absconder will automatically cease to operate.