Under fire, CM Adityanath orders CBI probe; Gandhis meet victim’s family

Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath Saturday recommended a CBI probe into the death of a Dalit woman who was brutally assaulted and allegedly gangraped by four upper caste men in Hathras.

The CM’s directive comes as Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra met the family of the victim, declaring they will fight for justice. “The family couldn’t see their daughter for the one last time. UP CM Yogi Adityanath should understand his responsibility. Till the time justice is delivered, we’ll continue this fight,” Congress’ Priyanka Gandhi Vadra told reporters after meeting the family.

This was the Congress leaders’ second attempt to reach Hathras – the first, on Thursday, ended in a scuffle after the Uttar Pradesh police refused to let the Gandhis’ visit the Hathras village. Earlier today, following a massive show of party strength and some scuffles at the Delhi-Uttar Pradesh border, the Noida Police permitted five members of the Congress delegation to go to Hathras.

The death of the victim and her hurried cremation by the police without letting the family perform her last rites has sparked widespread outrage across the nation, with the Opposition demanding the resignation of UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. The Uttar Pradesh government has suspended three police officers, including Hathras Superintendent of Police Vikrant Vir.

Indian express