Issewal gangrape: Victim’s friend records statement

Legal Correspondent

Ludhiana, August 21

The court of Additional Sessions Judge Rashmi Sharma today recorded the statement of victim’s friend in the Issewal gangrape case.

He was present with the victim when the incident was stated to have happened on February 9. He identified the silver chain and two rings snatched from him by the accused and the articles stolen from his car.

Special public prosecutor BD Gupta said the court adjourned the case till August 31. The defence lawyers will cross-examine the victim and the witness on the next hearing.

Earlier, the victim had identified all accused. She had reiterated the sequence of events as recorded with the police. She also endorsed the test identification parade.

The girl was stated to be gangraped on February 9 near Issewal village on the banks of the Sidwan canal, about 15 km from Ludhiana, after their car was stopped and she was dragged out. The charges were framed in the case on May 6. The police had filed a chargesheet based on the scientific investigation supported by 54 witnesses against the accused.

All accused, including Sadiq Ali of Mukandpur, Nawanshahr; Jagroop Singh alias Rupi of Jaspal Bangar village; Surmo of Khanpur, Dehlon; Saif Ali of Dehlon; and Ajay alias Lalan of Jassad Paddi village, Ludhiana, were present.