As investigations into the alleged gang-rape and murder of a 19-year-old Dalit girl continues in Uttar Pradesh's Hathras, the Special Investigation Team has been given additional time to submit their report.
Awanish K Awasthi, State Additional Chief Secretary, Home Department said on Wednesday that following orders from the Chief Minister, the time had been extended by 10 days. The report will be submitted to the Chief Minister.
The Hathras incident had taken place on September 14, with the girl in question succumbing to her injuries about two weeks later. Since then, numerous accounts have sprung up of what exactly had transpired, with accusing fingers being pointed to both the victim and her family as well as the arrested individuals. Others still have launched a scathing attack at the Yogi Adityanath led UP government.
Amid this confusion, the Uttar Pradesh government had recommended a CBI probe, urging the Supreme Court in an affidavit on Tuesday to direct a CBI investigation monitored by the SC. Calling it a "vicious campaign" to defame the Yogi Adityanath led government, the affidavit alleges that vested interests are attempting to ascribe motive to derail a fair probe.
The SIT had begun its investigations on Sunday, arriving at the victim's residence to record the statements of the family. At the time, media and any politically affiliated people had been denied entry into the area. This embargo was later lifted, with Congress leaders Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi being some of the notable visitors.
