Investigation of Hathras Rape-Murder Case by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI)

The recent rape-murder case in Hathras, Uttar Pradesh, has been a subject of intense media and public scrutiny. The order to hand over the case to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) adds a critical dimension to the investigation.

The Decision to Hand over the Case to CBI

The decision to transfer the Hathras rape-murder case to the CBI came on the very day when Congress leaders, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and Rahul Gandhi, visited the family of the victim in a village 200 km from Delhi. This event sparked significant debate and media coverage.

The Government's Handling of the Case

One of the main points of criticism has focused on the Uttar Pradesh government’s handling of the case, particularly regarding the treatment of the victim's traumatised family. There have been allegations that the government locked the family inside their home to hastily cremate their daughter at night, which has raised serious questions about the transparency and responsiveness of the authorities.

Family Refusal to Take a NARCO Test

The family's decision not to take a NARCO (Neuropsychological Assessment by Repeated Conscious Oral Interviews) test has added to the growing suspicion and skepticism surrounding the case. The NARCO test is a polygraph-like procedure that can help determine truthfulness. Given the family's refusal, there are concerns about the veracity of their statements and the reliability of the evidence presented so far.

Contradictory Claims on Social Media

A post on Instagram by a local resident claiming that no rape occurred and the incident was due to a mutual rivalry between two families has further complicated the matter. This contradictory statement calls into question the official narrative and adds to the ongoing debate about the truthfulness of the evidence.

Public Calls for Swift Action

There is a growing sense of urgency among the public that the case should be expeditiously investigated to bring justice for the victim. The transfer of the case to the CBI is seen as a positive step towards achieving this goal. If the CBI fails to act swiftly and transparently, it could be a black day for the nation. Therefore, there is a call to ensure that the CBI's investigation is thorough and that the necessary tests, such as the NARCO test, are conducted.

The Allahabad High Court’s Involvement

The Allahabad High Court has taken suo moto cognizance of the incident, based on media reports and explicit videos aired by media channels, especially by Mr. Rajat Sharma. This action signifies the seriousness with which the judiciary is treating the case. However, the challenge now lies in ensuring that the investigation by the CBI is conducted in a manner that is fair, transparent, and free from political interference.

Conclusion

The transfer of the Hathras rape-murder case to the CBI is a crucial step towards providing justice for the victim and her family. It is essential that the investigation is thorough, and that all parties involved, including the family, are compelled to undergo necessary forensic tests. Meanwhile, the public must remain vigilant and call for transparency and accountability in the process. Only by doing so can the nation hope to move forward and address the complexities of such cases effectively.

Keywords: Hathras rape-murder case, CBI probe, SIT report, Yogi Adityanath