In ordering the government of Uttar Pradesh to report to the Supreme Court on measures taken to protect witnesses in the Hathras case, Chief Justice SA Bobde said that the rape and murder of the 19-year-old Dalit woman it is “shocking and extraordinary”.
The high court observation came while listening to a PIL during which the Uttar Pradesh government expressed willingness to refer the investigation to the IWC as politically motivated false narratives were being spread about the case.
Calling the incident horrible and extraordinary, a bank headed by Chief Justice SA Bobde said it will make sure the investigation of the case runs smoothly. Attorney General Tushar Mehta, who appeared for the UP government, said: “Narratives after the narratives spread in the Hathras case, this must stop.” CBI’s investigation into the Hathras case will ensure that no vested interest can create a false and false narrative with indirect motives, Mehta told the court.
The state government told the high court that the CBI can carry out the investigation in the Hathras case under the supervision of the high court. A 19-year-old Dalit woman was allegedly raped by four upper caste men in Hathras on September 14. She died on September 29 at Safdarjung Hospital in Delhi during treatment.
The victim was cremated in the dead of night near his home on September 30. Her family alleged that the local police forced them to hastily perform their last rites. However, local police officers said the cremation was carried out “according to the wishes of the family.” The state government has already recommended an IWC investigation into the matter and, citing FSL reports, has denied the rape charge.
(With PTI inputs)
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