Shimla rape case: CBI files charges on 8 cops

Shimla, Nov. 25: The CBI on Saturday filed chargesheet against eight police personnel, including an IG rank officer, in connection with the custodial death of an accused in the rape- and- murder case of a minor in Kotkhai on July 4.

These police officers were a part of a Special Investigation Team ( SIT) that was set up to probe the rape and murder of the girl.

They were arrested by the CBI on July 29 in connection with the custodial death of Suraj Singh, a 29- year- old labourer from Nepal.

In the 500- page charge sheet, filed in the the designated CBI court here, the accused have been charged with murder, conspiracy, wrongful confinement to extort confession, causing grievous hurt, framing incorrect record and destroying evidence, CBI sources said.

Judge Rajinder Singh extended the judicial remand of the eight police officials and SP D. W. Negi, arrested on November 16 by the Central probe agency, till December 7.

Challan against D. W. Negi is yet to be presented.

Suraj Singh, who was a suspect in the rape- and-murder of a minor school girl in Kotkhai area of Shimla in early July, was among six people arrested by the local police. He was allegedly killed by a co- accused at the Kotkhai police station, triggering a massive public outrage.

The CBI questioned several people before arresting IGP Zahur Haidar Zaidi and seven other police officials.