Hanshkhali (Nadia), Apil 24: The CBI on Sunday arrested three more friends of Brajo (Sohail) Gayali in connection with their suspected involvement in the alleged gang rape and murder of a minor girl in Hanskhali.
Police on Saturday evening detained Akash Barui (20), Dipto Gayali (21), and a minor boy (aged 16) for their suspected role as it surfaced after interrogating Sohail and his friend Prabhakar.
The trio was questioned together last night and arrested during the early hours of Sunday morning. They were charged with gang rape, murder, causing disappearance of evidence, and aggravated sex under section 6 of the Pocso Act. The three close associates of the prime accused Brajo (Sohail) were produced before the ACJM court in Ranaghat later on Sunday afternoon when the court had ordered four days of CBI custody for them.
Chandan Dey, a lawyer, who appeared for the trio, however, refuted the allegations. “They were invited to the birthday party thrown by Brajo (Sohail). But, they in no way committed the crime. The CBI on mere suspicion arrested them. The charges brought against them are baseless, which will be proved during the time of prosecution”.
CBI however, in a statement reiterated that the trio arrested as their role in the alleged crime was found.
Earlier on April 16, the CBI team made the first arrest on its part when it picked up Ranjit Sarkar, another close aide of Brajo (Sohail) Gayali.
With these three fresh arrests, a total of six persons apart from Brajo (Sohail) so far have been arrested in connection with the Hanshkhali gang rape and murder case.
The mother of the accused Dipto, however, refuted the allegations claiming the innocence of her son. “My son did not attend any birthday party at Brajo (Sohail)’s home. The allegations are baseless”.
Earlier on Saturday afternoon, the CBI team also questioned a group of about dozen villagers bringing them to its camp office in Krishnagar to check facts. They were released after interrogations.