Imrana case to come up before court on Monday

MUZAFFARNAGAR:  The case of Imrana, whose alleged rape by her father-in-law sparked a nation-wide controversy last year, will come up before a court here on Monday even as the National Commission for Women has sought an early judgement in the matter.

The hearing will come exactly a year after Imrana was allegedly assaulted by her father-in-law Ali Mohammed.

The demand for speedy trial of the case has gained momentum with recent judgements by fast-track courts in several rape cases and a statement by NCW chairperson Girija Vyas calling for a decision in Imrana's case following a court verdict in the rape of a German tourist in Jaipur.

Only Imrana has so far deposed before the court as a witness, while a long list of witnesses are yet to be examined by the court. Earlier, Imrana's lawyer told the court that the defence was indulging in delaying tactics.

The case has witnessed many twists and turns, including the production of a videotape by the defence team in which Imrana allegedly told the Milli Council that Ali Mohammed tried to rape her but did not succeed.

Imrana has also alleged she is being pressurised by her in-laws to withdraw the case against Ali Mohammed. Her father-in-law is now in judicial custody since the court has not granted him bail.