CUTTACK: The third phase of recording statements and examination of witnesses in the sensational Kandhamal nun rape case scheduled to begin at a trial court here on Monday could not take place due to the ongoing lawyers' strike of the city.

It was not possible to ascertain on the day whether the trial of the case would defer since the court had fixed to hear the case on Tuesday too. The Cuttack district sessions court has been holding trial in the case since July this year following directions from the Orissa High Court.

The nun, who was allegedly raped during the 2008 Kandhamal riots and had failed to turn up before the Cuttack court during the two earlier phases, was summoned to appear before it positively this time. Even the prosecution (State crime branch police) had also given an undertaking to produce the complainant in the court this time.

On the other hand, the striking lawyers of the city, including that of the HC who are on cease work stir since last week are scheduled to meet here on Tuesday to take further course of action pertaining to their strike.

The lawyers are on agitating mode demanding adequate compensation to the family of lawyer Bishnu Dash who was killed in police firing on August 23 at Bagalpur here. The lawyers are also demanding stringent action against the policeman who killed the lawyer and the magistrate who gave the firing orders.