Rape victim's family alleges pressure by minister's kin

According to the victim’s father, a resident of Handia area in Allahabad, his daughter was kidnapped by Deepak (name changed) and his family Jan 19. Later, the girl, who studies in Class 12, was taken to Surat and gangraped.

The victim’s father alleged that Jan 23 he was directed by Sunil Mishra - nephew of Minister of Higher Education Rakesh Dhar Triptahi  - to take his daughter back.
"I was instructed by Sunil Mishra not to approach police in connection with my daughter's rape. When I opposed, I was threatened with dire consequences," the girl's father told reporters in Allahabad, some 200 km from Lucknow.

"Police are not taking action against Sunil Mishra as he is the nephew of Rakesh Dhar Tripathi," the man claimed.  Later, on a compliant registered by the girl’s father, Deepak was arrested Jan 23.

The girl’s family also alleged that as Deepak's family is well known to the minister’s nephew, the latter used his clout after which police in their records showed Deepak as a minor.

"We are quite sure he is not a minor. To dilute the case, he has been shown as a minor," a family member of the girl told reporters. According to police, Deepak is at present in a juvenile home.

"There are two other accused who have not been named by the girl," inspector B.L. Rawat told reporters in Allahabad. Meanwhile, Special Director General Brij Lal told reporters in Lucknow, "The minister, Rakesh Dhar Tripathi, has nothing to do with the case. We have already carried out investigations."