Newskarnataka – Udupi

Udupi: The trial with regard to the June 2013 gang-rape of a Manipal University student commenced in the District and Sessions Court on Monday February 3 when the victim for the first time came in the light and gave her statement.

The statement was given by the victim in an enclosed trial room, wherein only  the District Sessions Court Magistrate B M Angadi,   the public prosecutor T S Jituri, Defence counsel Purushottam Poojary  and the accused were present.

It was learnt that the girl has given her exact statement identifying the culprits. The victim was cross examined during the entire proceeding.

Speaking to Newskarnataka, Defence Counsel Purushottam Poojary said, “There is more than what  meets the eye.The roommate of the victim has taken back the statement and she is no more in support of the victim or a witness to the case.”

“Earlier the victim had said that she had informed her roommate, but now she is denying the fact, thus there are changes in the statement”, he added.

A Manipal University student from Kerala was gang raped on June 20 this year. The police  who arrested a total of five persons including three main accused, had filed a charge sheet on August 22.  The incident had sparked outrage across the state.