CPI(M) slams Cong-led UDF govt over rape, murder of dalit woman

New Delhi, May 4: CPI(M) on Wednesday, May 4 attacked Congress-led UDF government in Kerala over the brutal rape and murder of a Dalit woman in Perumbavoor in Ernakulam district, saying it was "shameful" the administration initially tried to "cover up" the crime.

The Left party demanded a probe into the matter by a panel headed by a high-ranking woman police official and "immediate" steps be taken to apprehend culprits.

The party said that the accused be tried by a fast-track court in line with amendments brought in criminal laws after the Nirbhaya incident.

"Instead of acting firmly while dealing with such cases, it is shameful the state police and Congress-led UDF government initially tried to cover up this heinous crime.

"The Politburo demands the investigation into the brutal rape and appalling violence inflicted on the woman should be entrusted to an enquiry committee headed by a high-ranking woman police official," a CPI(M) statement said.

The Left party demanded that action also be taken against those who "attempted to cover up" the case. A 30-year-old woman, a law college student hailing from a poor family, was raped and brutally assaulted using sharp edged weapons before being murdered at her house at Perumbavoor in Ernakulam district on April 28.

She was found dead in a pool of blood at her one room home at 8 PM the same day by her mother when she returned from work.

PTI