The horrific gang rape of a Dalit girl on September 14, at Chandpa village in Hathras district, left the nation shocked and brought back memories of the Delhi gangrape case after which far reaching changes in criminal law were put in place.
A year after the incident, the wheels of justice have barely moved.
The charges in the case were based on the statement the victim gave to the police on September 14, 2021.
These include Sections 302 (murder), 376 (rape), 376D (gangrape) and 376A of the SC/ST Act (punishment for neglect of duty). The CBI had submitted the charge sheet against the four accused—Sandeep, Ravi, Luvkush and Ramu, after a 67-day investigation. All four are in Agra jail. Three of them had applied for bail but it was denied.
There are 104 witnesses in the case, but only 15 have deposed so far.
There were, in fact, two cases registered after the death of the girl. One was on the forced cremation of the girl which was conducted on .by the police and district administration. A special investigative team had been formed to look into it, but the team is yet to submit any report before the High Court.
The other case, in which the aforementioned charges are being made is being heard in the SC/ST court of Hathras.
The victim’s family has received a compensation of Rs 25 lakh but not the house and job that was promised to them in the aftermath of their loss.
Mahipal Singh Nimhotra, one of the lawyers for the deceased girl said: “Arguments are on, on the evidence given by the victim’s mother and brother. The COVID-19 situation has impacted work and so the delay. I hope that the trial will be expedited, and the judgement pronounced soon”.
Munna Singh, lawyer for the accused said, “There is not enough evidence against the accused. I am sure they will be released”.
The father of Ramu said, “I have full faith in the judiciary. My son is innocent”.
The larger goal of safety of girls and women remains far off still.
On the intervening night of September 15 and 16, a 15-year-old who had gone out to relieve herself in the Kotwali Hathras gate area, was dragged off by a youth of the same village. When the girl’s family went in search of her, the accused ran away. There were two other youths with him. The police registered a case of assault, and the girl has been sent for medical examination. Hindu organisations crowded the police station demanding justice for her—illustrating once again how caste and religion take precedence over the question of ensuring safety for women.
