Kathua case transfer: Supreme Court seeks J&K government’s reply by April 27

Source – indiatimes.com

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court (SC) today asked the Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) government for a reply by April 27 on whether a plea to transfer the Kathua rape and murder case from the state’s courts to Chandigarh should be allowed.

The SC also asked the state government to provide security to the family and lawyer of the eight-year-old who was raped and murdered in Kathua in January.

The SC action came on a plea filed earlier today by the father of the eight-year-old.
The father sought security for the victim’s family and lawyers representing them. In addition, his plea seeks a court direction to strengthen security at the juvenile home where a minor accused – one of eight men accused in total – in the case is being kept. The father will also seek a direction from the SC for a complete investigation into the rape and murder of his daughter.

“The Supreme Court has issued directions to the authorities to provide protection to us,” said Deepika S Rajawat who is appearing for the family of the victim.

The mother of the victim said that there is a continuous threat to their life and security must be provided. She also demanded capital punishment for the culprits.

“We want justice, the culprits should be hanged. We feel the need for having security as anything can happen,” she said.

Meanwhile, the Kathua district court today postponed the date for hearing the case to April 28. All the accused were brought to court today.