JOIN USThe gang-rape and “forced conversion” of a girl at a religious school is adding to prevailing unrest in the communally-sensitive Meerut district, with right-wing outfits holding demonstrations against the police, even as the administration beefed up security arrangements.
A medical examination of the victim, who was kidnapped by members of a particular community a few days ago, has confirmed that she was gang-raped. Official sources here, however, said no untoward incidents had taken place in the district and that the situation was under control.
Samajwadi Party supremo Mulayam Singh Yadav also said on Tuesday that the government would make sure that the culprits were given the sternest punishment. “The guilty will not be spared,” Mulayam told reporters here.
Leaders of right-wing outfits met the victim and her family on Tuesday and assured them that the culprits would be punished.
State BJP chief Laxmi Kant Bajpai also demanded a fair and impartial probe into the matter and said that the incident reflected the pathetic state of affairs in Uttar Pradesh.
The district administration had deployed security personnel in strength at Kharkhauda and other sensitive areas in the district. Communal tension had flared up at Kharkhauda on Monday after the incident came to light.
The three main accused, includeing the chief of the village where the victim was a resident, were arrested. The government also suspended the in-charge of the local police station on charges of laxity.