Udupi; Oct 29:The main accused in Manipal gang-rape case Yogish, Anand, Hariprasad along with Balachandra and Harindra, were produced in the district and session court on Oct 28, Monday.However the judicial custody was extended till November 18.
Balachandra and Harindra have been booked for destroying the evidences.
Judge B.M.Angadi heard the case.
Addressing the media personnel Public prosecutor T.S.Jituri said that the case will be heard on November 18, when a formal date for the trial will be decided. He also informed that the accused have been booked with charges of kidnap, rape and issuing life threat.
There are total of 108 witnesses in the case, who will be cross-examined. The process will take time though the case will be heard on daily basis due to various reasons like absence of witnesses and unavailability of lawyers, it might get delayed. The case may take not less than about two-three months, he said.
The incident took place on June 30, this year, when a student of Manipal University was abducted by three men in an auto rickshaw and gang- raped. After a relentless search of whole week, the police could arrest the trio amid suicide attempts by Yogish and Anand.The girl who was being treated in Manipal hospital was discharged a week later.
Justice B.M.Angadi had extended the custody of the accused to October 28th.Well know Mangalore lawyer Purushothaman Poojary will fight in the court for the accused
The case evoked protests from all quarters and took the attention in the national media as well
