Legal Correspondent

Ludhiana, November 25

The Court of Additional Sessions Judge Rashmi Sharma adjourned the hearing in the much-talked-about Issewal gang rape case till December 1.

Defence lawyers today partly cross-examined the case investigation officer, DSP Harkamal Kaur, for about one-and-a-half hour.

Special public prosecutor BD Gupta apprised that prosecution had already examined 24 witnesses, including the victim girl and eyewitness in this case. The remaining cross-examination of DSP would be conducted on the next date of hearing.

The girl was allegedly gang raped on Feburary 9, 2019, near Issewal village on the banks of Sidwan canal, about 15 km from Ludhiana.

As per the prosecution, she was travelling in a car with her friend when the accused stopped the vehicle. The victim was dragged out of the car and raped by the accused.

The charges were framed in the case on May 6, 2019. The police had filed charge sheet based upon the scientific investigation supported by 54 witnesses against the accused.

All accused, including Sadiq Ali of Mukandpur, Nawanshahar, Jagroop Singh, alias Rupi, of Jaspal Bangar village, Surmo of Khanpur village, Dehlon, Saif Ali of Dehlon and Ajay, alias Lalan, of Jassad Paddi village, Ludhiana, joined proceedings through video-conferencing.