CBI implicates ‘original culprit’ in charge sheet in Kotkhai rape and murder case; recommends discharge of six accused

New Delhi, May 30: Taking a step forward in Kotkhai rape and murder case, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Tuesday lodged a charge sheet in a trial court in Shimla.

 

The 28-page charge sheet filed by CBI claims that the Anil alias Neelu was the prime culprit while six others arrested by the Himachal Pradesh Police were falsely implicated in the case. The investigation agency has also submitted a fresh status report and a copy of the charge sheet in the High Court.

Notably, in July last year, a minor girl had gone to school on July 4 but did not return home. Her naked body was found on the morning of July 6 from Kotkhai tehsil’s Halaila village. After the unfortunate incident was reported, Himachal Pradesh police arrested six persons including Rajendra Singh, Lokjan, Subhash, Deepak, Suraj and Ashish Chauhan.

Following the custodial death of Suraj, Himachal Pradesh High Court handed over the investigation to CBI. CBI then registered two separate FIRs and constituted three-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) led by an SP rank officer. Also, the entire staff of Kotkhai police station was suspended after the death of Suraj.

After the detailed investigation, CBI recommended discharge of arrested persons including Rajendra Singh, Lokjan, Subhash, Deepak, Suraj and Ashish Chauhan. As soon as the case came into limelight, there was a widespread protest in Shimla and other districts of HP over the alleged shoddy investigations.