3 Men Accused of Raping Girl, 11, Appear In Labasa Court
The accused are Shanil Kumar, Rajendra Mani and Avneel Shandil
Three men appeared before Judge Justice Daniel Goundar in the Labasa High Court yesterday for allegedly raping an 11-year-old girl.
The incident happened earlier last year.
The accused are Shanil Kumar, Rajendra Mani and Avneel Shandil.
The State Counsel told the court one of the accused, Rajendra Mani, and the victim’s mother knew each other and he often visited the victim’s home.
The court heard that when the 11-year-old girl got pregnant the mother of co-accused Avneel Shandil arranged for them to get married.
Shandil’s mother persuaded the victim’s mother for them to get married and raise their child together, the court heard.
The State Counsel said the issue of concern here was the mother of the victim who allowed the child to go to the accused, Avneel Shandil’s home when the victim got pregnant.
The State Counsel also informed the court that the victim was supposed to give birth last month or this month.
The victim is now residing in a special home for children.
The Social Welfare Department had taken over the matter, the court heard.
The State Counsel also said she was trying to contact the victim, but it was taking time because she had to follow proper channels.
Justice Goundar said he was concerned about the victim because there was no support from the immediate family members.
He said there were some issues about the case that had to be sorted out.
Justice Goundar said a suitable date must be set for the trial.
The court will set a date for trial once the victim is healthy to appear in court.
The three accused are on bail.
Justice Goundar asked the accused if they were reporting to the Police station as required to which they said they were.
He informed the three accused not to attempt to interact with the victim in any way.
Edited by George Kulamaiwasa
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