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At last, nun deposes before court

Pradip Kumar Das

She identifies four accused among 10 arrested in rape case

CUTTACK: The nun of the Baliguda Catholic Church, who was allegedly raped during the 2008 Kandhamal riots, deposed before the trial court here on Wednesday.

For want of time she was examined only by the prosecution and the court fixed November 8 for cross-examination by defence.

Two other witnesses also recorded their statements in the Cuttack District and Sessions Court.

The court has been holding trial of this case from August on directions from the Orissa High Court. The nun had on five occasions defied summons and had even unsuccessfully approached the High Court pleading to defer proceedings in the trial court.

As was directed on Tuesday, the nun appeared in the court along with her counsel and she was subjected to examination-in chief (recording statements by prosecution). She identified at least four accused from among the 10 arrested persons who were produced in the court.

The recalled witness Chhotray Marandi, the local doctor who examined the nun on the day of the incident on August 25, 2008, also deposed before the court.

The doctor was earlier asked by the court to produce certain documents pertaining to the examination and treatment of the victim.

Chandrapati Pradhani, a key witness and informant in the case, also recorded his statement and both witnesses were cross-examined by defence counsel.

The trial court has already examined at least 25 witnesses and eight more are to be examined, according to sources.

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