SHRC inquiry into Ayesha murder case continues

Vijayawada, Feb 2 (UNI) The inquiry, being conducted by State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) Registrar Vittal Rao Patil, into the murder of B Pharmacy student Ayesha Meera continued for the second day today.

Mr Patil recorded the statements of the students, who were staying in the Sri Durga Ladies Hostel, at the state guest house here.

The students reportedly complained to the registrar that the police was harassing them by frequently calling them to police station for questioning.

Though it was announced that it would be an open inquiry, mediapersons were kept away.

Mr Patil had visited the hostel at Ibrahimpatnam, where the student was brutally killed and raped on December 27. After going around the hostel building and visiting the scene of offence yesterday, he recorded the version of the victims' classmates, workers of the hostel, and representatives of political organisations.

They urged him to speed up the investigation, alleging that some Congress leaders were trying to shield the accused in the case.

Speaking to media, Mr Patil said he received more than 15 representations so far.

Leaders of women's organisations, including former city mayor Tadi Sakuntala and Durgabhavani, demanded an impartial investigation into the case.

On January 31, Ayesha's parents met SHRC Chairman Subhashan Reddy and complained about the lack of progress in the investigation and delay in the arrest of the culprits.

Following their complaints, the SHRC chairman immediately asked Mr Patil to conduct an inquiry into the incident and submit the report by February four.

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