Source –\u00a0indiatimes.com<\/p>\n
NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court (SC) today asked the Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) government for a reply by April 27 on whether a plea to transfer the Kathua rape and murder case from the state’s courts to Chandigarh should be allowed.<\/p>\n
The SC also asked the state government to provide security to the family and lawyer of the eight-year-old who was raped and murdered in Kathua in January.<\/p>\n
The SC action came on a plea filed earlier today by the father of the eight-year-old.
\nThe father sought security for the victim’s family and lawyers representing them. In addition, his plea seeks a court direction to strengthen security at the juvenile home where a minor accused – one of eight men accused in total – in the case is being kept. The father will also seek a direction from the SC for a complete investigation into the rape and murder of his daughter.<\/p>\n
“The Supreme Court has issued directions to the authorities to provide protection to us,” said Deepika S Rajawat who is appearing for the family of the victim.<\/p>\n
The mother of the victim said that there is a continuous threat to their life and security must be provided. She also demanded capital punishment for the culprits.<\/p>\n
“We want justice, the culprits should be hanged. We feel the need for having security as anything can happen,” she said.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, the Kathua district court today postponed the date for hearing the case to April 28. All the accused were brought to court today.<\/p>\n