December 16 gangrape:'Witness afraid to depose, tortured by police': Defence

NEW DELHI: One of the accused in December 16 gangrape and murder trial today claimed before a special court here that the witness did not turn up on his behalf as he is "afraid" and was "tortured" by Delhi Police officials.

The counsel for Vinay Sharma told Additional Sessions Judge Yogesh Khanna that a peanut seller, who had agreed to depose as a defence witness in the case, could not come here as he was allegedly threatened by police officials who asked him not to appear in the court and record his testimony in favour of the accused.

The counsel, however, said he should be given a last opportunity so that he can go and explain the witness that he should not fear to come to the court.

Vinay's counsel also said if the witness does not come on that day also, then the court can proceed further.

Allowing the defence submissions, the judge said "I grant one last opportunity for his (witness) deposition...."

While fixing August 21 as the next date of hearing in the matter, the judge said as it (court) is already scheduled to hear final arguments from August 22, so no more opportunity will be given after that.