Unnao victim's family performs last rites after talks

The last rites of the 23-year-old Unnao rape victim, who succumbed to her burn injuries in Delhi's Safdarjung Hospital, were performed at her native village here on Sunday amidst tight security arrangements.

She was laid to rest in the fields belonging to her family, where the mausoleum (mazaar) of her grandparents is situated.

A large number of local residents and officials were present.

Villagers from all walks of life paid their respects to the departed soul before the body was taken for the last rites.

Samajwadi Party leaders, Uttar Pradesh cabinet ministers Swami Prasad Maurya and Kamal Rani Varun were also present.

Maurya said, "The government is with the aggrieved family."

Kamal Rani Varun, said, "The slogan of Beti Padhao, Beti Bachaao is meaningful. We stand with the aggrieved family in the hour of grief and will ensure that the accused get stringent punishment."

On the other hand, Samajwadi Party MLC Sunil Singh Sajan expressed concern over the law and order situation.

"The law and order scenario in the state has significantly deteriorated in the state. Today, girls are not feeling secure and their FIRs are not being registered. The government of Yogi Adityanath must tender its resignation," he said.

Local Congress leader and former Unnao MP Annu Tandon in a tweet on Sunday said, 'We said our good byes to the daughter who has found eternal peace and ensured eternal security...And the fight for justice continues...'

Speaking to reporters outside the residence of the victim, she said, "People want that her death should not go in vain, and she should get justice."

Tandon also gave a financial assistance of Rs 5 lakh to the aggrieved family.

Earlier in the day, family members of the rape victim agreed to perform her last rites following a negotiation with Lucknow Divisional Commissioner Mukesh Meshram and other senior police officials.

Meshram told reporters that the family members would be provided security and a house under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana.

Meshram also said, "The sister of the victim too will be given separate security, since she may be a witness in the case. One person of the family (as decided by them) will be given a government job. Apart from this, if any member of the family seeks an Arms Licence from the point of view of self- defence, then it will be given after completing the due procedure of law."

The sister of the deceased had earlier said her family would not perform the last rites unless Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath arrived in her village and assured of strict action against the accused.

The sister demanded a government job for one of the family members and immediate capital punishment to the accused.

The body of the rape victim, who succumbed to severe burn injuries in a Delhi hospital on Friday night, was brought in Unnao on Saturday.