Jeypore: The fourth phase recording of statements from witnesses before the Jeypore district and session judge Bidyut Kumar Mishra in the Kunduli gangrape and suicide case concluded Sunday. The next hearing is fixed for July 8.
The case involves the gang-rape of a girl by men in “uniform”, as alleged by the girl, who later committed suicide saying she was facing extreme pressure from the police to save them from the case.
Inspector In-Charge (IIC) of Pottangi police station Deb Kumar Gamang, doctor Prince Parida and member of NGO Life Foundation Sanjukta Naidu deposed before the inquiry commission and recorded their statements.
A total of 16 witnesses were summoned to record their statements. But only nine persons have turned up.
At the next hearing July 8, the doctor who carried out the post mortem of the victim, a nurse and a Crime Branch official have been summoned for recording of evidence, informed government counsel Prabhakar Patnaik.
The minor girl victim had alleged October 10 last that four “persons in uniform” gang-raped her. Following a public outcry, the case was first investigated by the police. It was later handed over to the Crime Branch following orders to that effect from Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik.
The girl hanged herself to death at her house January 22, alleging pressure from cops who also reportedly tried to bribe the girl to withdraw the case and change her statements.
It was February 7 that the CM ordered a judicial probe. Initially, the commission was asked to submit its report within three months. However, after its tenure expired March 25, 2018, the home department March 26 last extended the commission’s tenure by another three months.
