SHIMLA: A Nepalese labourer accused in the Kotkhai minor girl rape and murder case was killed allegedly by another accused in the Kotkhai Police Station late last night.
Following the killing, the entire staff of the Kotkhai Police Station has been shifted and a judicial enquiry into the custodial death has been recommended.
Additional police force has been rushed to Kotkhai to tackle the law and order situation as it is feared that the incident would add fuel to the public rage over the rape incident.
A Class X student was raped and murdered at the Kotkhai area of Shimla district on July 4 after she took a lift in a vehicle driven by one of the accused, Rajender.
The body of the victim was recovered from the nearby Halila forest two days later. Six persons were arrested in connection with the case.
Police said Rajender, whose alias is Raju, had heated exchanges with the Nepalese, Suraj, in the jail and a scuffle ensued. Raju then allegedly banged Suraj’s head against a wall and he died.
IG Southern range ZH Zaidi said Suraj had allegedly narrated the entire sequence leading to the rape incident and named Raju, the driver of the pickup, as the main accused.
The police is already facing a lot of criticism for the tardy investigation and protests are continuing in Kotkhai, Shimla and other places demanding justice for the minor girl.
