Junagarh gang-rape victim’s statement to be recorded again

Bhawanipatna: Following the shocking revelation by Junagarh gang-rape victim regarding the alleged involvement of the eyewitness in the offence, the Kalahandi police today decided to record her statement again.

“Earlier, the victim had not mentioned about Lalindra Sabar (eyewitness) in her FIR and statements recorded under Sections 161 and 164 of CrPC. After the revelation by her, we have sent an Investigating Officer to record her statement again. If she mentions Lalindra’s name in her statement, we will initiate investigation and take action accordingly,” said Kalahandi SP Battula Gangadhar.

Earlier in the day, the victim, while speaking to reporters, had alleged that Lalindra raped her at the forest before other accused committed the crime.

The girl was allegedly gang-raped at Jaring forest near NH-26 under Junagarh police limits on September 14. A video of the incident, which was recorded by one of the accused, had gone viral on social media.

The district police had earlier arrested as many as seven persons for their alleged involvement in raping the girl and circulating a video of the incident on social media. Police had also named Lalindra as the prime eyewitness of the case.