MP Cong condemns dalit's rape by minister's henchmen

Bhopal, Aug 28 (UNI) Condemning the alleged gangrape of a dalit by a constable and a minister's henchmen, the Madhya Pradesh Congress Committee today demanded that the state government order a judicial inquiry.

''The woman was subjected to atrocities due to pressure from the minister,'' General Secretary Manak Agrawal told reporters here during a press conference at which the victim was also present.

On August 17, the woman was arrested at Sagar district's Rehli while looking after her daughter-in-law who was hospitalised for delivery. On Independence Day, the dalit took part in an effigy-burning programme organised by the Congress-supported Rehli Krishi Mandi. Sub-Divisional Officer O P Burman, Constable Rajkumar Goswami and a station house officer subjected her to inhuman treatment, the Congress leader alleged.

''As the Rehli Police Station did not have a women's cell, she was taken to Sagar Jail at night. During the journey, Constable Goswami and the minister's henchmen raped her in the Jamghat Kadwa forest. She was incarcerated at Sagar Jail on August 18,'' he added.

After being released on August 24, the victim met the Superintendent of Police and the Inspector-General of Police, Sagar, but in vain. Two days later the victim met Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly Jamuna Devi here. Ms Devi had her admitted at J P Hospital. The medical report was awaited.

UNI