Separate trial for absonding accused

On March 27,the special public prosecutor had requested the court to split the trial. Hearing the application,the court on Saturday ordered to split the trial against Raut and proceed against the other three accused. The court observed in its order,“…there is no possibility that accused one (Raut) will be apprehended in the near future…” Raut had failed to surrender himself and the police too could not arrest and produce him before the court despite issuing the proclamation notice and announcing him an absconder.

“There is no alternative but to split the case,” the court stated.

The court also directed the police to furnish information about the court’s order to attach Raut’s property for failing to appear before the court within one month of issuing the proclamation notice. The trial will continue from June 14 with recording of evidence of prosecution witnesses in the case.