UP govt recommends CBI probe in Badaun gang-rapes

Under attack from opposition parties, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav on Saturday decided to recommend a Central Bureau of Investigation probe into the gang rape and murder of two Dalit sisters in Badaun.

"The Chief Minister has decided to recommend a CBI probe into Badaun incident as demanded by family members of the victims demanded," an official release said in Lucknow.

"The formalities in this regard will be completed soon," it added.

The family of two murdered teenage girls had demanded a CBI probe into the incident saying they had no faith in local police which was "hand in gloves" with the accused.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, who visited the village of the two Dalit sisters today, also supported the family's demand for CBI probe.

A team of National Commission for Women had also faulted the local police.

The chief minister had on Friday ordered constitution of fast track court to ensure justice to the victims' family and announced a compensation of Rs five lakh each to them.

Bahujan Samaj Party supremo Mayawati too had pressed for a CBI probe in the matter while demanding of imposition of President's rule in the state over alleged failure of the Samajwadi Party government to maintain law and order.

Union Women and Child Welfare Minister Maneka Gandhi had on Friday told said that if family members of the girls want, she would recommend a CBI probe into the incident.

The two teenage Dalit sisters, who were cousins aged 14 and 15 years, were allegedly gang-raped and murdered with their bodies found hanging from a mango tree in Katra village.

The girls went missing on May 27 and their bodies were found hanging on May 28.

All the five named in the FIR including constables Sarvesh Yadav, Chhatrapal Yadav and three brothers Pappu Yadav, Awadhesh Yadav and Urvesh Yadav have been arrested. The FIR was registered against seven including two unnamed.

While services of Sarvesh and Chhatrapal have been terminated, sub-inspector Ram Vilas Yadav had been suspended.

Image: UP Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav