Kathua rape-murder: Apex court transfers trial to Pathankot, orders in-camera proceedings

New Delhi:The  Supreme Court on Monday transferred the trial in the Kathua rape-murder case to Pathankot and said it will be held in-camera.The rape and murder of an eight-year-old girl earlier this year had inflamed passions in J&K and assumed sharp communal overtones.

Pathankot district judge would hear the case, ruled a three-judge bench, headed by Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra.Day-to-day hearing would take place, the apex court ordered, adding that no adjournment would be given in the matter.

Fixing July 9 as the next date of hearing, the Supreme Court ruled, adding that the trial will be held in-camera.The apex court allowed the Jammu &Kashmir government to appoint a public prosecutor to conduct prosecution of the accused at Pathankot and also asked it to provide security to the victim's family, their lawyer and witnesses.(UNI)