The alleged gang rape and murder of a Dalit girl has led to the suspension of two police officers over their alleged role in the incident.
Posted on – Wed, 21 Jun 23 at 01:31pm
Jaipur: The alleged gang-rape and murder of a Dalit girl has led to the suspension of two police officers for their alleged involvement in the incident in Rajasthan’s Bikaner district, officials said Wednesday.
Inspector-General of Police (IG) Om Prakash said the body of the 20-year-old girl was found in Khajuwala district on Tuesday.
“Her family has accused three people of raping the girl, including two officers from the Khajuwala police station. Both officers have been suspended immediately and the matter is being investigated,” he said.
The victim’s family refused to consent to an autopsy and demanded the immediate arrest of all accused. They also performed a “dharna”.
Superintendent (SP) Tejaswani Gautam said efforts were being made to persuade the victim’s family and relatives to carry out an autopsy.
Police said the case had been registered at the Khajuwala Police Station under the different provisions of Section 376-D (Gang Rape) of the Indian Penal Code.
The family alleges that police officers Manoj and Bhagirath and a third accused took her to the house where they gang-raped and murdered her.
Citing call transcripts, police said the victim and the lead accused knew each other. Meanwhile, the role of the two officers is being investigated.
The case is being investigated by additional SP Deepak Sharma.
The opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has cornered Ashok Gehlot’s government over the incident.
Leader of the Opposition (LoP) Rajendra Rathore tweeted that police involvement in the rape and murder of a girl in Khajuwala, Bikaner is a stain on the face of the government.
He added that the suspension of the police was just a formality and the girl’s family was therefore unhappy with the police authority.
“Unfortunately, neither of the accused officers has been arrested so far. I request the state government to take stern action against the guilty officers in this case and arrest them,” he said.
Food and Civilian Supplies Minister Pratap Singh Khachariyawas said in Jaipur that police were investigating the matter and action would be taken against those found guilty.
