In record 45-day trial, 3 get death for rape-murder of Dalit in Telangana

Hyderabad, January 30

A fast-track court in Adilabad town of Telangana has sentenced to death three men who had raped and killed a Dalit woman on November 24 last year. The special court delivered the verdict after completing the trial in record 45 days.

The 30-year-old woman, who made a living by selling balloons and other utility items, was sexually assaulted and killed by the three men at Ellapatar village of Komaram Bheem Asifabad district on November 24. Her body was found in the bushes the next day with her throat slit.

The incident took place around the same time as the rape and killing of a veterinary doctor on the outskirts of Hyderabad. As the incident sparked an outrage, the rape and killing of the Dalit woman did not attract much attention. But two days after the body of the victim was found, the police arrested the three accused — Sheikh Babu, Sheikh Shahabuddin and Sheikh Makhdoom, who, after admitting to their involvement, were remanded in judicial custody. After 45 days of hearing, the court today pronounced the judgment.

The police, in its 150-page charge-sheet, relied on forensic evidence and incorporated statements of 44 witnesses, including doctors, residents of victim’s village, daily wage labourers, who spotted the body. The woman’s husband said: “We are happy. Justice has been served and we request the court to ensure the convicts are hanged immediately.” — TNS