CBI probe sought in Dalit rape, suicide

Bhopal, Dec 5 (UNI) Several non-government women organisations have demanded a CBI probe into a former dalit Panch committing suicide at Betul collectorate premises after the administration failed to act on her complaint of rape by the kin of the Sarpanch who had a grudge against her for exposing his corrupt practices.

The women organisations also demanded action against those officials, who failed to take timely action on her complaints, leading to her death.

Women organisation representatives Sibani and Sandeepa told reporters here today that the state government should initiate steps for the CBI probe in this unique case of atrocities on a woman representative.

''Betul district's Dugariya village-resident Urmila Bai was sexually assaulted twice for disclosing a corruption-related case against Sarpanch Soorajsingh Yaduwanshi,'' said the duo.

They alleged that no action was taken against accused Kallu Yaduwanshi, son of village's Sarpanch, after lodging a complaint with the police station of the area and Scheduled Caste Thana. Even the victim also presented a written complaint to the district collector.

Ms Urmila consumed poisonous substance at the collectrate premises on November 20, 2007.

Hunger Project, Samarthan, Human Rights Law Network, Anupama Education Society, Women Rights Resource Center and other organisations' workers, quoting a fact finding team's report, said the accused even launched a signature campaign to prove the victim as characterless.

''Suicide by Ms Urmila, who was a Panch during 2000-05, could have been averted if immediate action was taken on her complaints'', they added.

UNI