Kamduni gangrape-murder accused plead for protection

The accused in the Kamduni gangrape and murder of a 20-year-old college girl today sought protection, fearing threat to their lives.

The five accused, who were produced before the court of Sanchari Sarkar, Additional Sessions Judge at Bankshall Court here, pleaded through their counsel Firoz Edulji that necessary security be provided to them. Three other accused are absconding.

Claiming that one of the accused has already been severely assaulted at Dumdum correctional home recently, Edulji said armed guards should be posted outside their cell and that they be segregated from other inmates in the home. 

The petitioners submitted that Azmal Kasab, the only terrorist caught alive in the Mumbai 26/11 attack, had been provided round-the-clock security at the Arthur Road prison in Maharashtra.

The accused persons also referred to the Delhi gangrape accused Ram Singh's unnatural death in Tihar Jail and expressed fear that they might also face the same fate. The hearing in the matter was adjourned till Tuesday.

The college girl was abducted, gang-raped and murdered in Kamduni village near Barasat, about 20 km from Kolkata, on June 7 this year.