The High Court (HC) on Sunday directed the authorities to run the trial simultaneously in two cases over the gang rape of a woman and extortion at MC College in Sylhet.

The bench of Justice M. Enayetur Rahim and Justice Md. Mostafizur Rahman passed the order.

The HC also asked the Sylhet Police Commissioner to ensure security of the plaintiff, witnesses and their lawyers.

Also read: MC college gang-rape: Studentship of four suspended

Advocate Sabrina Jerin and Advocate M Abdul Kaiyum Liton stood for the plaintiff while Deputy Attorney General Sarowar Hossain represented the state.

Advocate M Abdul Kaiyum said police submitted two separate chargesheets – one to the Women and Children Repression Prevention Tribunal for rape and another to District Sessions and Judges Court for extortion.

“We suggested that trial  in the two cases should run simultaneously while the Women and Children Repression Prevention Tribunal rejected the appeal on January 24,” he said.

Also read:MC College gang-rape: Three more confess before courts

Later, the appeal was filed with the High Court, Kaiyum said adding that the HC directed to run  the trial in the cases at the same court.

On Jan 13, A Sylhet Woman and Child Repression Prevention Tribunal fixed January 17 for hearing on charge framing in a case filed over the gang-rape of a woman at MC College.

On the previous day, the tribunal accepted chargesheet against eight accused in the case.

On December 3 last, police pressed charges against eight accused in the gang rape case.

Also read:Gang rape at MC College: Charges pressed against eight

Gang Rape at MC College

A group of youths tied up a man and raped his 19-year-old wife at a dormitory of MC College on September 25 last.

After police rescued the couple, the victim’s husband filed a case at Shahporan Police Station against nine people mentioning the names of six.

Law enforcers arrested eight people who are now in police custody.