Supreme court stays trial in Kathua rape-murder case till next hearing

The Supreme Court has stayed the trial in the Kathua rape and murder case before the sessions judge till the next hearing, which is scheduled for May 7.

The case was transferred to the Crime Branch of the state police on January 23, which formed the Special Investigation Team. The SIT had then arrested eight people. 

The Supreme Court took suo motu cognisance of the case on April 13.

The apex court had also sent a notice to the Bar Council of Jammu and Kashmir for hampering the filing of the charge sheet against the accused involved in the case. 

The accused pleaded not guilty on the opening day of the trial in the principal district and sessions court on April 16.

Also read: Kathua rape case: Main accused Sanji Ram planned girl's murder to save son, say investigators