Manipal rape: Brothers of accused held for destroying evidence; victim cooperates
Pics: Umesh Marpalli
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (SM)
Udupi, Jul 2: In a fresh development in the Manipal gang-rape case, the brothers of accused Yogish and Harisprasad have been arrested on charges of destroying evidence.
The arrested are Balachandra, brother of Yogish from Ondibettu village, Anjar, and Harindra, brother of Hariprasad from 80 Badagabettu, Parkala.
Addressing a press meet here on Tuesday July 2, IGP (western range) Pratap Reddy said that from the past one week, interrogation had been going on, and on Monday July 1, it was confirmed that they were helping the accused by destroying scientific evidence from the auto rickshaw used in the crime.
He also said that forensic experts had been called from Mangalore and Bangalore to assist in the investigation and their report was awaited.
He also said that in a significant development, the victim has agreed to give her statement, on condition put forth by her parents that her statement be kept confidential. "As we have the victim's cooperation now, by tomorrow we should be able to get a full report and chargesheet may be filed," he said, adding that the communication with the victim was still through doctors.
"The DNA test of the accused will be done on priority basis, but as the procedure is lengthy, it will take some time," he said.
The IGP further informed that an appeal to extend the custody of the accused will be placed depending on the information revealed during interrogation.
"Manipal circle Sadananda Tippannanavar will be the officer in charge for this case and we will all assist him," he added.
SP Dr Boralingaiah and ASP Santosh were present.