Sexually assaulted several girls in past, say accused

Nikhil Bhardwaj

Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, February 17

In startling revelations, the accused in the gang-rape case have confessed that they had sexually assaulted and raped several girls in the past but all those cases went unreported, as the victims did not dare to file a complaint.

Talking to The Tribune, DIG of Ludhiana Range Ranbir Singh Khatra said: “During interrogation, the accused confessed this was the first case of sexual assault by them which reached the police. They had committed several sexual assaults and rapes in that secluded place of Issewal with same modus operandi in the past but nobody dared to inform the police. We have not received any complaint of sexual assaults committed by the accused earlier. If we get one, then we may launch investigation.”

The DIG said the accused had also looted their earlier victims. “We are carrying out investigations to recover the cash and valuables looted by the accused in earlier cases that went unreported,” said the DIG.

The latest case of gang-rape reached the police as the accused had made a ransom call to the victim’s kin, he said.

Will go for DNA testing of all accused: SSP

The Ludhiana rural police have submitted an application in the local court seeking permission for the DNA testing of the gang-rape accused. SSP Varinder Singh Brar said the police wanted the DNA testing of the accused to build strong evidence against them.

The Judicial Magistrate has put off the matter till February 18.

Brar said the police opted for the DNA testing as it was a rare crime committed by six accused, who should be punished. “The DNA technology can strengthen investigation and prosecution in sexual violence cases. Such testing is necessary to prove a charge of rape conclusively. If the court grants us permission, we will go for the DNA testing of all six accused,” said Brar.

Even experts feel that DNA tests are corroborative and conclusive piece of evidence as these confirm the survivor’s complaint and testimony. They say DNA reports can help the judiciary and investigating agencies to link the sequence of crime scene. It can even help a suspect to get exonerated if he has not committed the crime.