Six Detained in Haridwar for Gang Rape, Murder of Minor; Search for BJP Leader Continues

Six individuals, including the primary suspect, were detained on Thursday in connection with the gang rape and murder of a 13-year-old girl in Haridwar. The girl's mother has accused a local BJP leader of involvement in the crime. Police are currently searching for BJP leader Aditya Raj Saini, who allegedly assisted the suspects.

Aditya Raj Saini, a member of the Uttarakhand BJP's OBC Morcha, was expelled from both the front and the party's primary membership after his name surfaced as an accused. His cousin Amit Saini, identified as the main suspect, allegedly pushed the girl in front of a speeding vehicle after she sought his help following the gang rape by four acquaintances.

Details of the Incident

Senior Superintendent of Police Pramendra Dobhal stated that Amit Saini had been luring and sexually exploiting the girl for six months by promising marriage. On June 23, Nitin, an acquaintance of the deceased, took her to a birthday party as part of a premeditated plan. Along with Nikhil Panchal, Tushar alias Bhola, and another friend, they intended to rape her.

Nitin contacted the girl and arranged to meet her at Shivganga Vihar Tiraha Shantarshah Road. Nitin and Nikhil brought her on their Bullet motorcycle (UK 17 G 2738), while Tushar and his friend Mausam joined them on another motorcycle. They all went to Bongla Bypass Road where they consumed beer and made the girl drink too.

Sequence of Events

The group then took her to Haridwar under the pretext of bathing in the Ganga before returning to a deserted place on Rohlaki road. According to their plan, Nitin and Nikhil took turns raping her. The girl later sought help from Amit Saini at his house where his father Madan Pal Saini, mother Shashi Devi, and sister Ruby Saini were present.

Amit Saini took her to his room and raped her again. When she told him about the gang rape, he became furious and started beating her. Fearing repercussions due to her being a minor, Amit's family also beat her and threw her out of the house, causing injuries.

Cover-Up Attempt

Amit Saini then devised a plan to eliminate her. He took her near Patanjali Research Institute on Delhi-Haridwar Highway and pushed her in front of an unknown vehicle under cover of darkness. After confirming she was dead, Amit fled and informed Aditya Raj Saini about the incident, seeking protection.

The next day, when the girl's mother visited Aditya Raj Saini's residence, he misled her by advising against going to the police and suggested she search for her daughter herself. Based on sufficient evidence, police arrested Amit Saini and his mother. They recovered blood-stained clothes and the girl's mobile phone.

Arrests Made

Nitin, Nikhil Panchal, Tushar alias Bhola, and Mausam were also arrested for gang raping the girl. The police seized the motorcycles used in the crime. Authorities are still searching for Aditya Raj Saini along with Madanpal Saini (Amit's father) and Ruby Saini (Amit's sister).

After questioning over 500 suspects and reviewing more than 900 CCTV cameras along with call detail records of over 100 mobile numbers, it was revealed through post-mortem that the deceased had been in contact with Amit Saini for six months.

The investigation continues as authorities work to apprehend all involved parties and bring justice for the victim.