LI Network
Published on: 7 August 2023 at 12:30 IST
In the district of Bhilwara, Rajasthan, a horrific incident of a 14-year-old girl allegedly being gang-raped and murdered has ignited widespread outrage.
The girl’s body was found burnt in a coal furnace on August 2.
The incident has led to protests, with members of the Opposition BJP demonstrating outside the nearest police station.
The Rajasthan Chief Minister, Ashok Gehlot, assured that seven suspects had been arrested.
The victim’s family expressed anger towards the local police, claiming that they did not take timely action despite being informed of her disappearance.
The girl’s uncle, a gram panchayat member, lamented that if the police had acted promptly, the girl might still be alive or at least her body would have been recovered earlier for the last rites.
The family’s cousin, who reported the girl missing to the police, revealed that the police asked for age proof and school certificates instead of immediately registering the missing person report. This delay drew heavy criticism from the family and protesters.
Upon the discovery of the girl’s remains in the furnace, the accused were apprehended by the family members, and the police arrived later to take them into custody. The wives of two accused have also been detained, one of whom is a minor.
The incident has become a major political issue, with the BJP targeting the Gehlot government over crimes against women. A four-member committee of BJP MPs, assigned to inquire into the case, reached Bhilwara to meet the victim’s family members.
As the situation escalates, the district administration has committed to filing the chargesheet in the case within 15 days, leading the protesters to call off their dharna.
The family demands justice and compensation, seeking Rs 1 crore, a government job for a family member, and the death sentence for the accused.
The Chief Minister vowed swift action and strict punishment for the culprits, highlighting that Rajasthan has a record of prompt action in such cases.
