'Swiftest ever' trial in Bihar gang rape case to start today

The Bihar government is set to make a point by facilitating the 'swiftest ever' speedy trial of three persons accused of gang raping six mahadalit women in Bhojpur district recently.

The Bihar government is set to make a point by facilitating the 'swiftest ever' speedy trial of three persons accused of gang raping six mahadalit women in Bhojpur district recently.

"The trial will start tomorrow (Monday). It will be completed within a week from the date of commencement," Bhojpur SP Rajesh Kumar told HT on Sunday.

This means the trial will commence within five days of the crime being committed (within three days of the FIR being lodged), marking a new record for swiftness, according to sources in the legal fraternity.

"The police investigation into the case is complete. The charges against all three accused have been found to be true and will be reflected in the charge sheet to be filed this evening", the Bhojpur SP confirmed.

The six victims were allegedly raped Wednesday night. The accused, Nilnidhi Singh, a former area commander of outlawed and now defunct Ranveer Sena, his brother Jay Prakash Singh and an associate, Jaggu Pandit, have already been arrested.

The SP said the charge sheet will be filed under IPC sections on rape, the scheduled castes and the scheduled tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) act, 1989 and protection of children from sexual offences act, 2012.