- Question of transferring the case to Delhi is open
- It will be taken up as and when needed
- Victim’s family members to be given protection
- CBI probing the case, no apprehensions: CJI
SC entrusts monitoring of CBI probe into Hathras alleged gangrape incident to Allahabad HC. A three-judge bench headed by CJI S A Bobde said all aspects of the case, including security to victim’s family and witnesses, will be dealt with by the HC.
On the plea of transferring of trial in the case to Delhi, SC said since CBI is investigating the incident, there should be no apprehension about mistrial. However, it said the issue will be kept open and would be taken up, if needed, after the completion of probe into the case.
SC also accepted Solicitor general Tushar Mehta’s request and asked Allahabad HC to delete the name of the rape victim from its orders in a PIL relating to the incident. UP government as well as right activist lawyers led by Indira Jaising had requested the court jointly for a CBI probe into the Hathras alleged gangrape case and monitoring of the probe by SC.
The gangrape and death of a 19-year old Dalit gilr from Uttara Pradesh’s Hathras has triggered a nationwife uproar and brought back chilling memories of Nirbhaya’s death in 2012 in Delhi. The Hathras incident had taken place on 14 September 2020. While the girl was working in a field plucking grass along with her mother and brother, four or five people had attacked her from behind, gagged her with her dupatta, dragged her into bajra field and gangraped her. Her neck was injured severely. The police had arrested four young men belonging to Thakur community. The incident enraged the conscious of the nation and a nationwide candle rallies were held.
The victims wanted the case to be transferred out of UP but the CJI said that request would be kept open and since the CBI is investigating the case such apprehensions about the safety of the victim’s family members may be unfounded. He said Allahabad High Court would take care of all the aspect. The question of transferring the case could be taken up when it is warranted, Justice Bobde said.
