Imrana reiterates rape charge against father-in-law

Muzaffarnagar, Apr 22 (UNI) Imrana -- who grabbed national headlines last year after she accused her father-in-law Ali Mohd of rape -- today reiterated her allegation before the district court.

Earlier, district judge Rajmani Chauhan watched the CD provided by the defence, which contained Imrana's deposition before the Milli Council. Imrana and Ali were present in the court.

The defence had claimed that Imrana had confided before the Milli Council that she was not raped by her father-in-law.

Admitting that the burqa-clad woman shown in the 16 minute video was indeed her, Imrana claimed the footage had been edited to present a fudged meaning of her statement.

Assistant district public prosecutor Raunak Ali Zaidi and counsel Sitaram Verma represented her in the court. Her husband Noor Ilahi -- a ricksaw puller by profession -- was also present in the court.

Imrana maintained the proceedings were shot discreetly and later edited to conceal the truth.

Meanwhile, the court fixed May 11 as the next date of hearing.

Imrana of Charthwal village was allegedly raped by Ali in June last year.

The matter was brought before the caste panchayat, which not only held Ali guilty of sexual assault, but also annulled Imrana's marriage with Elahi, saying she was like his mother now.

Ali is presently lodged in jail and his bail had been rejected by the High Court.

UNI XC/VS PA HT1958