Scores of BJP activists led by Councilor Bhupendra Singh Kathiat met the Garhwal Range IG/DIG Sanjay Kumar Gunjyal on Tuesday and demanded the case of the rape-cum-murder of the 11-year-old girl, reported in Narayan Bagar, Tharali, Chamoli district, be heard in the fast track court. They demanded exemplary punishment for the accused to stamp out possibilities of its recurrence in any part of the State.
Kathait said that the incident has sent shock waves across the State. “True, crimes are on the spiral in Garhwal region. But the incident under question being perpetrated by an expelled cop has sullied the fair face of Garhwal region, known for peace. Police should act impartially,” he said.
Gunjyal said that in view of the gravity of the offence, the case has been transferred to regular police from the revenue police on Tuesday. “A police officer of the rank of circle officer has been tasked to investigate. He has also been directed to form a team, consisting of experienced inspectors, sub-inspectors and other policemen,” he said, adding that along with SP Chamoli, he Gunjyal himself would monitor the case from time to time to speed things up. “The evidences collected from the spot related to the case by the police will be sent for forensic science laboratory and steps will be taken to ensure that the report comes soon,” he added.
Others from the saffron ranks present on the occasion were Daya Joshi, Anita Singh, Meera Kathait, Saroj Panwar, Anju Bisht and Santokh Nagpal.