the goan I network
MARGAO
The trial in the Irish woman Danielle McLaughlin murder case began in the South Goa Sessions Court on Friday, with the Examination in Chief Prashant Komarpant telling the court on oath that he had seen the dead nude body of the foreigner lying in the field at Devbag-Canacona on the morning of March 14, 2017.
While Public Prosecutor V G Costa examined the witness, defence lawyer Adv Braz De Sa cross examined Prashant, especially on the question of the photographs attached by the police in the case.
Cross examination of Prashant will continue at the next date of hearing on April 13. “The dead body of the woman foreigner was lying in a nude condition. The face of the woman was smashed and covered with blood. Seeing the woman, I got nervous and I immediately approached one Amar Komarpant and informed about the fact, who later informed the Canacona police,” he told the court.
When the prosecution showed photographs No 24, 27, 28, 54, 55, 56 and the witness pointing out his presence in the photograph, the defence lawyer submitted his objection on grounds that the face of the witness cannot be seen clearly and that there is no reference in the complaint nor in the supplementary statement recorded to this effect.
He further contended that none of the photographs depict the complainant, further adding that the photographs are dark and hazy on the basis of which the witness could not identity himself in the photographs. PP Costa, however, argued that the purpose of showing the photograph to the witness is only for marking the presence of the witness at the scene of offence.
Prashant, however, identified himself in the photographs on the basis of the cap and the cloths worn by him on that day.
During cross examination by Adv Braz, the examination in chief said he was never detained by the police in connection with matka activities. Saying that his complaint was lodged against unknown persons, he said that Amar Komarpant had thereafter phoned the police on his mobile.
He said it is not true to suggest that he did not see the dead body on March 14, further stating that it is not true to suggest that he was subsequently called to the police station and made to complaint.
The Court has framed charges of rape, murder and destruction of evidence against Canacona youth Vikat Bhagat for the murder of the Irish woman.
Misbehaviour complaint: Judge advices Vikat to use
time at his disposal constructively
MARGAO: Additional Sessions Judge Sayonara Telis Laad gave her piece of advice or two to Vikat Bhagat, accused in the Irish woman Danielle McLaughlin murder, as the Superintendent of Central Jail, Colvale requesting the Court to admonish the accused for alleged misbehaviour and using filthy language against the jail staff.
Vikat, however, sought to explain to the Judge from the accused box that the jail staff have been meting out harassment to him, adding that the lock-up housing him lacks basis amenities such as electricity and fan.
Judge Sayonara made a humble request to the accused to use the time at his disposal in the jail for constructing purpose, saying the court is in receipt of a complaint from the Superintendent of Central Jail, Colvale urging the court to admonish the accused for misbehaviour.
“For the moment, I am not taking cognizance of the complaint from the Superintendent of Colvale jail. I am only requesting you to use your time at your disposal constructively in your own interest”, the Judge told Vikat.
The Judge further said the court taking cognizance of the complaint from the central jail would mean starting an inquiry into the matter, which may further delay the trial in the case.
The accused later maintained that he was assaulted by a group of jailors in the central jail for no fault of his, saying that the allegations made by the Superintendent of central jail is false and intended to cover up the excesses by the jail staff.
In his complaint addressed to the Sessions Court, Superintendent of Central jail, Shamsunder Parab informed that the undertrial had insulted two jail guards and threatened them with dire consequences.
He said the behaviour of the accused has been arrogant and disrespectful, adding that even the co-inmates of block No 4 had complained against the accused of the same attitude.
While requesting the Judge to admonish the accused for his alleged misbehaviour and using filthy language against the jail staff, Parab said the undertrial may be acquainted with the consequences if he repeats the same so that it may help the jail staff to maintain peace and smooth functioning as far as security of prisons and prisoners is concerned.
