Cong demands CBI probe into missing lecturer's case

Lucknow, Dec 24 (UNI) Congress today demanded a CBI probe into the disappearance of a college lecturer following allegations that a person close to an Uttar Pradesh minister was behind the incident.

Kavita Rani Chaudhury had disappeared two months ago while working as a temporary lecturer at Chaudhury Charan Singh University in Meerut.

In letters found in her hostel room, Rani blamed one Ravindra Pradhan for her possible death. A week later, her family lodged a case on November 4.

She stated that Pradhan, known to an Uttar Pradesh Minister, forced her to go with him or her family would be killed.

Talking to reporters here, UP Congress president Salman Khurshid said since influential people are accused in the incident, it would be better if Chief Minister Mulayam Singh Yadav ordered a CBI probe.

Meanwhile, state police said it was not under pressure from any quarter. ''Police is working independently. The police has been ordered to conduct an impartial inquiry,'' said Meerut range DIG Jagmohan Yadav.

Pradhan had yesterday turned himself to the police. Speaking to a private news channel, he said he did not kidnap her and did not know her whereabouts.

UNI NAB KN VD RK1920