SC extends deadline for CBI

New Delhi: The Supreme Court Monday granted two more weeks to the CBI to complete investigation into a road accident in which the Unnao rape survivor and her lawyer were critically injured and two of her aunts killed.
The apex court, which had earlier given two weeks to the CBI to complete the probe, has extended the time while noting that the probe agency has done “quite extensive investigation” so far in the case.
While seeking four more weeks to complete the probe, CBI told the top court that statements of rape survivor and her lawyer have not been recorded yet and they want to analyse certain electronic evidence collected so far during the probe.
A bench of Justices Deepak Gupta and Aniruddha Bose also directed the Uttar Pradesh government to pay Rs 5 lakh to the lawyer who is in a critical condition and undergoing treatment.
The bench, however, took exception to some public statements made by the family members of the rape survivor in the media and said it might help the accused during the trial of the case.
“If you have any grievances, feel free to tell us. We are here to help you. Some members of her family are going to the media. It may rather help the accused,” the bench observed.
At the outset, senior advocate V Giri, assisting the top court as an amicus curiae in the matter, told the bench that the lawyer injured in the road accident is in a critical condition and is undergoing treatment.
He said that the apex court could consider granting some amount to the lawyer which would help his family at this stage.
The bench, after hearing Giri’s submission, asked, “Who is appearing for the CBI? You (CBI) have asked for extension of time (to complete the probe) in the ground that statements of the victim and her lawyer have not been recorded yet”.
Advocate Rajat Nair, appearing for CBI, said that they have filed an application in this regard.
The bench has posted the matter for further hearing on September 6 next. (PTI)