Union ministers demand speedy trial in 'rape' case

Motihari, Jun 25: Two Union ministers, hailing from Bihar, today demanded speedy trial in the attempt to rape case in East Champaran district and stern action against the accused.

Union Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare Minister Radha Mohan Singh and Union Minister of State for Human Resources Development Upendra Kushwaha met the family members of the victim and enquired about the condition of the girl who is admitted to Motihari Sadar Hospital.

Both the ministers later visited the hospital to enquire about the victim's health. The girl, in her complaint, had alleged that her neighbour Samiullah had raped her on June 13 at Jamai Tola village of East Champaran district.

She informed her mother of the incident and lodged a complaint on June 15 in this regard at Ramgarhwa police station of the district. Comparing the incident with Delhi's Nirbhaya rape incident, Singh said, "This is the repetition of Nirbahaya incident... Bihar is witnessing the situation (law & order) that was prevailing 15 years ago."

"It is an administrative failure and lapse on part of police machinery. The government should conduct speedy trial and ensure stern action," he said while expressing shock that there was delay in lodging of FIR and medical examination of the victim. The Union Agriculture minister asked Chief Minister Nitish Kumar what kind of administration is working in Bihar that there is no fear of law among the criminals.

Criminals' morale would be high if the government failed to tame such incidents, Singh said while cautioning the state government that it would be difficult for it (state) to stem people's angst. Kushwaha too echoed similar sentiments and demanded "speedy trial and stern action" against the culprits.

"The situation in Bihar is worse than what it was before 2005 but the state government is not ready to accept the reality. Incidents of crime are taking place every day in different parts of the districts of the state," Kushwaha said adding that Nitish Kumar is not ready to accept that "Sushashan does not exist in the state".

Police had yesterday arrested one Samiullah from Chhitauni bus stand in Motihari town in connection with the incident. A three-member medical board which examined the girl on June 15 and June 22, however, did not confirm the rape, district Superintendent of Police Jitendra Rana had stated yesterday.

PTI