Kathua gang rape: Victim's father seeks transfer of case from J&K

The Supreme Court today issued a notice to the Jammu and Kashmir(J&K) government on a petition filed by Kathua rape victim's father seeking transfer of the case to Chandigarh.

The victim's lawyer Indira Jaysingh said circumstances in J&Kdo not allow for a fair trial, therefore the case should be transferred out of the state.

Jaysingh said: "The atmosphere is not conducive for a fair trial. It is highly polarised."

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Supreme Court also directed the J&K government to provide police protection to victim's family members and the counsel representing them.

Indira Jaising told the Supreme Court that the state police had done a good job and arrested all the accused persons onscientificevidence.

The next hearing on of the case is slated on April 27.

Meanwhile, the eight accused who allegedly gang raped the 8-year-old girl pleaded "not guilty"before the court today.

The defence said the accused were ready to undergo a narco test.

While seven accused were presented before the district and sessions judge, the eighth is a juvenile who moved a bail application before a judicial magistrate.

The alleged gangrape and murder of the girl, who belonged to the nomadic Muslim community, took place in the Kathua district in January. After being missing for a week, her body was found on January 17.

The incident has touched off a national debate in the country with several people from civil society including those in government, media and film personalities condemning the gangrape and killing of the 8-year-old who belonged to a nomadic Muslim community.