Durgapur Gang-Rape Survivor Completes Court Cross-Examination in Kolkata
The survivor of the harrowing Durgapur gang-rape case, a first-year medical student at a private college in Kolkata, has successfully concluded her cross-examination before a local court on Saturday. This significant legal milestone marks the completion of both her deposition and cross-examination, which were conducted over two separate days in January.
Court Proceedings and Legal Statements
The court proceedings on Saturday extended from 11 am to 6 pm, with a brief break in between to ensure the survivor's comfort and well-being. Special public prosecutor Bivas Chatterjee, defence lawyer Shekhar Kundu, and the survivor's counsel Partha Ghosh all participated in the hearing. Following the session, Chatterjee expressed optimism, stating, "We are hopeful that justice will prevail as the survivor completed all legal formalities to make this a watertight case." This sentiment was echoed by the other legal representatives, who emphasized their confidence in the judicial process.
Details of the Case and Charges
The case involves a 22-year-old medical student who was allegedly sexually assaulted in a forested area outside her college campus after she stepped out in the evening with a fellow student. According to the prosecution, additional men arrived at the scene later, further assaulting her. In October of last year, police filed an extensive 861-page charge sheet within just 20 days of the crime. The charge sheet accuses the survivor's fellow medical student of rape and destruction of evidence. Three other individuals—Nasiruddin Sk, Firdaus Sk, and Apu Bauri—face charges of gang-rape, dacoity, and extortion. Two others, Sk Riazuddin and Sk Safiq, who previously confessed before a magistrate, are charged with molestation, dacoity, and extortion.
Arrests and Investigation Timeline
Police acted swiftly following the incident, arresting five men from the Bijra area within 48 hours. Subsequently, another accused was taken into custody after evidence emerged linking him to the assault and attempts to conceal the crime. The thorough investigation and rapid legal actions have been pivotal in building a strong case, as highlighted by the prosecution's efforts to ensure all formalities are meticulously completed.
This development underscores the ongoing legal battle for justice in a case that has drawn significant attention, with the survivor's courage and the legal team's dedication playing crucial roles in the proceedings.
