RLD demands CBI probe in madarsa rape case

Lucknow, Jan 23 (UNI) Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) today demanded a CBI probe in the alleged gang rape of two girl students of a 'madarsa' here.

Addressing a news conference here, RLD state unit president Ram Asrey Verma said that ''whatever happened was ''shameful.'' ''The incident has shaken Muslims from within. I wish such incidents do not happen in future. But, things cannot change in Mulayam Singh Yadav's rule. I want a impartial investigation in the case, which can only be done by CBI,'' he said.

''Mr Yadav is anti-Muslim. His disconcern for them was revealed when he went to Allahabad and did not meet the victims. Now, every thing is clear to the community and they would retort in the coming assembly election,'' Mr Verma maintained.

He said by announcing assistance of Rs 2 lakh each to the two victims, the CM could not return the dignity and self respect of the victims. ''They want justice, not money.'' Hitting out at the Samajwadi Party (SP)-led UP government, Mr Verma demanded dismissal of the state government and imposition of President's rule.

Expressing concern over the 'dismal' law and order situation in UP, he alleged the present government has miserably failed to safeguard people of UP, including women.

On January 17, posing as policemen, armed miscreants stormed the 'madarsa' hostel in Kareli area and criminally assaulted two girls.

RLD, which was a major ally of the ruling Samajwadi Party (SP) government in Uttar Pradesh, had recently withdrawn its support from the three-year-old government.

UNI