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Kathua rape-murder case trail: 8 accused plead not guilty, demand narco test

The juvenile arrested in the Kathua rape and murder case has moved a bail application before the judicial magistrate, which will be heard later on Monday.

Kathua rape-murder case trail: 8 accused plead not guilty, demand narco test

New Delhi: People participate in #NotInMyName protest against incidents of rape in Unnao (Uttar Pradesh) and Kathua (Jammu and Kashmir) in New Delhi, on April 15, 2018. (Photo: IANS)

All eight accused in Kathua rape and murder case pleaded not guilty on Monday and asked the district and sessions judge to conduct a narco test.

According to media reports, the Kathua district and sessions judge has directed the state Crime Branch to provide copies of chargesheet to accused.

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The next date of hearing is April 28.

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Meanwhile, the juvenile arrested in the Kathua rape and murder case has moved a bail application before the judicial magistrate, which will be heard later on Monday. A separate chargesheet was filed against the accused juvenile.

The Jammu and Kashmir government has appointed two special public prosecutors, both Sikhs, for the trial in the sensitive case, a move being seen as made to ensure “neutrality” in view of Hindu-Muslim polarisation over the case.

Earlier today, the Supreme Court said that it will hear later in the day a plea by the father of Kathua rape and murder case seeking transfer of trial to Chandigarh from Jammu.

A bench headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra directed the hearing of the matter to 2 p.m.

Dipika Singh Rajawat, lawyer of victim’s father, sought the transfer of trial from Kathua to Chandigarh, as she said she has been facing threats.

(With agency inputs)

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