UP govt recommends CBI probe into accident involving Unnao rape survivor

The Uttar Pradesh government on Monday (July 29) night recommended a CBI probe into a road accident in which the Unnao rape survivor and her lawyer were critically injured and her two aunts killed.

Principal secretary (Home) Arvind Kumar said in a statement that a formal request for it has been sent to the Indian government.

“The government has decided to refer the investigation of case crime number 305/2019 u/s 302/307/506/120 B IPC PS Gurbuxganj Distt Raebareli to the CBI. A formal request has been sent to government of India in this regard,” he said.

Meanwhile, opposition parties staged a protest in Lok Sabha over the incident, demanding that the Uttar Pradesh government takes steps to ensure justice for the victim and her family, The protest led by Congress members, was joined by Trinamool Congress, DMK and BSP among others.

Earlier in the day, Uttar Pradesh DGP OP Singh had said the state government was ready for a CBI probe into the accident, if a request is made.

Also read: BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh charged in Unnao rape victim’s accident 

“The truck was over speeding and it was raining too. Prima facie, it appears to be an accident, but a detailed unbiased probe is on in the matter,” he told reporters.

“The state government is ready to recommend a CBI probe into Sunday’s mishap in Rae Bareli if the victim’s mother or a relative makes any request in this regard,” Singh said.
On Sunday, the car in which the rape survivor, her family and lawyer were travelling in, was hit by an overspeeding truck in Rae Bareli, killing two members and leaving her and the advocate critically injured.

The Uttar Pradesh police on Monday filed a murder case against BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar and nine others after the rape survivor’s family filed a complaint, alleging “conspiracy” behind the accident.

Sengar, a four-time MLA from UPs Bangermau, is accused of raping the woman, and he was arrested last year in April.

The family was headed to Raebareli to meet the 19-year-old rape survivor’s uncle Mahesh Singh, who is lodged in Raebareli Jail. Raebareli district magistrate Neha Sharma told reporters, “I visited the Raebareli jail with the SP and met Mahesh Singh. He had applied for parole which has been forwarded to the Unnao district magistrate.”

“He also gave two other applications. One for registration of an FIR which it has already been filed and the other for a CBI probe into the matter. This application has been forwarded to the principal secretary (home),” she added.