CUTTACK: Questions over the identity of the alleged Kandhamal rape victim nun were raised in the trial court today as defence counsels continued with her cross-examination for the second consecutive day.
As the proceedings commenced in the District and Sessions Judge Court of Judge BK Mishra, the defence counsels Sourachandra Mohapatra and Sarbeswar Behera sought to examine the victim on her identity. They alleged that she was not the actual nun but someone impersonating as the victim.
They sought proofs of identity from her, which the victim nun reportedly could not furnish. She reportedly told the court that she had no voter I-card nor any bank account. But she had driving licence which could be used as an identification proof. The defence had also sought to verify her signature which was strongly objected to by the Prosecution on grounds of following proper procedures.
Following the recess, the trial commenced with the defence shifting focus to the TI parade. They probed the sequence of events and the correspondence between her and the Crime Branch over conduct of TI parade at the Cuttack Circle jail, Choudwar. They asked her on how many persons she had recognised in the parade. The nun had identified two during the test identification parades conducted in phases. They also queried on whether those identified were involved in the rape incident or were part of the mob that went on the rampage in the area on the day.
The cross-examination remained inconclusive and would continue tomorrow.