3 arrests, but no headway in Bulandshahr gang-rape case

Bulandshahr, Aug 2: Despite arrest of three suspects, there seems to be no headway in the investigation into the gang-rape of a woman and her teenaged daughter on NH-91 last week even though Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav had announced that the case would be cracked within 24 hours.

Questions have been raised by locals as to whether those arrested were really involved in Friday night's gory crime.

Bulandshahr MP Bhola Singh said the police arrested three persons in haste to fulfil the assurance of the Chief Minister. Innocent people are being harassed by the police, he alleged, adding that the real culprits are being spared under political pressure.

Earlier, the police arrested three men who were presented before the local court, which sent them to 14 days in judicial custody in Bulandshahr jail.

The suspects have been identified as Shawed, a resident of Dehpa Hapur; Rahees, a resident of Sutari Bulandshahr; and Jabar Singh, a resident of Rabupura in Gautam Budh Nagar.

"We are looking for other culprits whose role in the crime has been revealed during investigation," Deputy Inspector General of Police Laxmi Singh said.

Meanwhile, the victims told IANS that the police was apathetic towards their plight and did not provide any medical treatment.

Neither were there any counsellors to deal with their trauma, the victims said. It was only when the crime was reported in the media that the police swung into action, they added.

IANS