the goan I network
MARGAO
In an interesting development, one of the accused in the Betalbatim gang rape case has opted for a defense lawyer to defend him in the trial before the South Goa Sessions Court.
All the three accused persons, Ram Bariya, Sanjeev Pal and dreaded accused Ishwar Macwana, who escaped from the custody of the police while being taken to the TB hospital, Panaji last year, were all being represented by lawyers under the free legal aid scheme. Incidentally, city-based lawyer, Adv Amay Prabhudesai, who was appointed the lawyer to appear for accused Ram Bariya and Sanjeev Pal under the legal aid scheme, informed that accused Sanjeev Pal has opted for a private defense lawyer.
Adv Amay said that with accused Pal engaging the services of city-based lawyer, he will only represent accused Ram Bariya in the trial of the case.
Meanwhile, the case, which was scheduled for hearing on Monday before the sessions court, was adjourned as the victim girl could not turn up.
