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Journalism of Courage
A-year-and-a-half after Keenan Santos (24) and Reuben Fernandez (29) were killed trying to stop a bunch of misbehaving rowdies,the trial in the case began at the special women court Tuesday. The first witness,a friend of the victims,testified before designated judge Vrushali Joshi in a closed courtroom.
As per CrPC section 327 (2),the proceedings will be held in-camera and cannot be reported in the media.
The defence will continue to examine the witness Wednesday, said special public prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam.
This is one of the first cases to be transferred to the all-woman court set up to exclusively try cases of violence against women in the city,following a Bombay High Court direction in March.
Following a public outcry,home minister RR Patil had announced the case would be tried in a fast-track court.
Keenan and Reuben were stabbed after a scuffle near a paan shop at Amboli in Andheri (West) on October 20,2011. The prosecution said they were trying to protect woman friends from a group of hooligans trying to molest them.
It said the hooligans initially retreated,only to return with more than a dozen aides to attack Keenan and Reuben. While Keenan died the same day,Reuben,who had sustained multiple stab injuries,succumbed on October 31,2011.
As many as 21 people have been booked for murder,conspiracy and molestation in the case. Arrested accused Jitendra Rana,Sunil Bodh,Satish Dulhaj and Dipak Tival have been booked for murder,criminal conspiracy,using word,gesture or committing any act intended to insult the modesty of a woman and intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of peace and under Bombay Police Act.
Police have recorded statements of 21 witnesses,including of girlfriend of Keenan.
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