SC directs UP Govt to ensure protection for Hathras case witnesses

YOGI Adityanath Government on Tuesday, October 6 pleaded with the Supreme Court to order an SC monitored CBI probe into the alleged gang-rape and death of a Dalit woman in Hathras to ensure that no vested interests are able to create fake and false narratives about the incident with “oblique motives”. The state government has also sought a CBI probe into the FIR related to the alleged criminal conspiracy to spread caste conflict, instigating violence, incidents of vicious propaganda by sections of media and political interests. Appearing for the state, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta  “I am not opposing CBI probe. But the unfortunate incident should not be sensationalised. I am only praying that this court should supervise the probe.” In its affidavit filed hours before the crucial hearing, the UP Government said political parties and a section of media were trying to give a communal and casteist colour to the rape incident. “There are narratives and narratives that may impede a fair probe. Let this court monitor the probe,” said Mehta. In an affidavit filed in response to a PIL, which has been listed for hearing before a bench headed by Chief Justice S A Bobde, the Uttar Pradesh government said it is important that the investigation is carried out by an independent central agency. The Dalit teen had died of grievous injuries in a Delhi hospital on September 29, a fortnight after she was allegedly raped at her village by four upper-caste men. Mehta said the witnesses are already under protection.” “Why are you pressing for NALSA? CJI is the patron in chief of NALSA. We can appoint lawyers,” the CJI told Advocate Indira Jaising. SC pointed out that the Solicitor General made a statement before the court that he was not treating this as an adversarial litigation. “Why don’t you all make your recommendations before him?” the Bench asked. The case will be taken further hearing next week. (Pic courtesy to Free Press Journal)