SDM testifies in fast-track court

The sub-divisional magistrate who recorded the dying declaration of the 23-year-old gang rape victim on Thursday deposed before a fast-track court trying the case. The magistrate had recorded the victim's statement at Safdarjung Hospital.

The sub-divisional magistrate (SDM) who recorded the dying declaration of the 23-year-old gang rape victim on Thursday deposed before a fast-track court trying the case. The magistrate had recorded the victim's statement at Safdarjung Hospital.

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The judicial officer deposed as a prosecution witness during in-camera proceedings against the five adult accused, who have been charged with rape and murder. The sixth accused is a juvenile who is facing proceedings before the Juvenile Justice Board.

The defence counsel of all the accused cross-examined the officer in the court.

The statement of the victim, who was then in a critical condition, was recorded twice. The victim and her male friend had given their first statement to the SDM. The victim's second statement, which was almost on the lines of the first one, was made before the metropolitan magistrate. The court, however, could not record the statement of the metropolitan magistrate due to paucity of time.