Mumbai: The Maharashtra State Commission for Women (MSCW) has sought a detailed report from the Mumbai police on the investigation done so far in the gang-rape case of a girl from Jalna, who died at a state-run hospital in Aurangabad during medical treatment. The commission has asked the police to submit the report by August 31 and also said that Section 302 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) should be added in the case.
Women’s commission chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar said, “We have issued a letter to the police on Thursday and have demanded to include section 302 (murder) of IPC in the case. The police are expected to submit their report by today afternoon”. The commission has also asked the police to provide financial support to the victim’s family through the Manodhairya Yojana scheme.
State president of Yuvati Rashtrawadi Congress (a wing of NCP party) Sakshana Salgar said, “Despite staying in Aurangabad, why didn’t Ms Rahatkar come to meet the victim? It would have given moral support to her family. Now, sitting in the air-conditioned room, she is asking for a detailed report from police. It is unfortunate for women in this state that Ms Rahatkar is the chairperson of women commission.”
Ms Rahatkar said, “Commission is doing its job. I am personally in touch with the commissioner of police and also talking to the officials in Aurangabad.”
Meanwhile, the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) MP Supriya Sule demanded an SIT probe in the incident. Ms Sule led a protest march from the Lal Dongar area in suburban Chembur to the Chunabhatti Police Station on Friday, against the state government’s negligence.
“The probe is not being conducted in a proper manner. The matter has to be investigated through the SIT. We are with the family. We will not relent till the victim gets justice,” Ms Sule told reporters after she met officials at the Chunabhatti police station.
Opposition leader in the state Assembly, Vijay Wadettiwar from the Congress party raised suspicions over the role of the police in the case and questioned if the cops were trying to protect someone. “Why were the policemen waiting for a month? A CID probe must be carried out into the incident.” Targeting Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who holds the home portfolio, Mr Wadettiwar alleged the former does not have control over the department.
The 19-year-old girl, was allegedly raped by four of her friends in Mumbai on July 7.
