Bhanwari Devi case: Rajasthan minister sacked

Jaipur, Oct 17: Rajasthan's controversial minister Mahipal Maderna, who is suspected to be involved in the case of mysterious disappearance of nurse Bhanwari Devi, was sacked on Sunday, Oct 16 by chief minister Ashok Gehlot.

In a communication forwarded to governor Shivraj Patil, Gehlot has recommended the dismissal of Maderna, highly placed sources said.

Gehlot's action came after his attempt to secure the resignation of the water resources minister failed. Bhanwari (36) went missing on September one.

According to sources, Gehlot had asked Maderna to resign after the state government on September 14 decided to hand over the case to CBI but the minister refused.

Maderna also met the chief minister last night and it was again suggested to him that he resign, sources said.

Rajasthan high court has also rapped the state government, raising questions on its intention to crack the case.

A division bench raised questions on the government's intentions, while hearing a habeas corpus petition filed by her husband few days back.

The court had remarked that the state government is acting "hand in glove" to save the minister, observing this was an example of "escapism" on its part.

The CBI had on October 11 taken over probe into disappearance of Bhanwari in which allegations about Maderna's involvement have been levelled.

CBI registered a case in this regard after the state government requested the Centre last month to hand it over to the agency.

Devi was posted as auxiliary nurse midwife at a sub-centre in Jaliwada village, around 120 km from Jodhpur district, Her husband Amarchand has alleged that she was abducted at the behest of Maderna and his associates. These charges have been refuted by the minister and his associates.

The nurse last registered her presence at the sub-centre on August 24 and has since been absent.

Her name had sprung up sometime back after a CD which allegedly showed her in compromising position with the minister and an MLA was circulated.

PTI