SC transfers Kathua gang rape, murder case to Pathankot Court; refuses CBI inquiry

New Delhi, May 7: The Supreme Court on Monday transferred the Kathua gang rape and murder case to Pathankot Court in Punjab and refused a CBI inquiry in the matter after relying on the state investigation.

 

A bench headed by Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra was hearing on two different petitions filed by the father of late Asifa Bano and two accused in the Kathua case. The father of late Asifa Bano filed a plea apprehending threat to the family, a friend and their lawyer Deepika Singh Rajawat. While a separate petition was also filed by two accused in the Kathua case seeking that the trial in the case be held in Jammu and the probe handed over to the CBI.

The Supreme Court after transferring the Kathua case to Pathankot Court said day to day hearing would take place in the matter. It also announced the next date of hearing in the case is July 9. Supreme Court also allowed Jammu and Kashmir government to appoint a public prosecutor in Pathankot Court and also asked to provide security to the victim's family, their lawyer and witnesses.

However, the apex court refused a CBI inquiry in the Kathua matter after relying on the state investigation. An 8-year old girl Asifa Bano went missing while grazing horses in Rasana village of Hiranagar tehsil of Kathua on January 17 this year. A week later, her body was found in woods near her village.