In yet another quirky twist to the alleged rape and murder of a Dalit girl in Hathras, the officers probing the case now suspect a Naxal angle on the premise that a woman, who identified herself as the victim’s sister-in-law during media interactions, disappeared soon after Close Circuit Television (CCTv) cameras were set up around the perimeter of the house.
However, the woman challenged the probe team’s claim within a few hours in Jabalpur and denied having any Naxal links.
The investigators have been looking for the mysterious woman who stayed at the victim’s house before doing the vanishing act.
The police maintained that during meeting with political leaders and media persons, the woman used to be the central point and spoke on behalf of the victim’s kin.
It was further alleged that in several videos, the woman instigated the kin and even tutored them on speaking to the media.
However, the victim’s sister-in-law identified the woman as Rajkumari Bansal and said that she was based in Jabalpur.
The disclosure turned out to be true as Bansal appeared in Jabalpur and dismissed the charges of her posing as the victim’s sister-in-law or having Naxal links.
Bansal, a physician by profession, works at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Medical College in Jabalpur (Madhya Pradesh).
The medico said that it was all a figment of imagination of some media channels.
“I was present at the victim’s house and if someone identifies me as the fake sister-in-law, I can’t help. Did I claim I was her kin. I only speak on the basis of evidence,” she said.
When asked about the purpose behind her visit to Hathras, the medico said that it was purely on humanitarian grounds as she was upset with growing “atrocities” in the last few years.
“I had planned to extend some financial help and also gave them my one month’s salary. I had planned to return the next day after spending some hours with the family but they requested me to stay there for a couple of days to which I agreed,” she explained.
“I learnt that the UP SIT is linking me with Naxals. When they meet me, then only will I know what they are trying to probe against me. I was born and brought up in Madhya Pradesh and started working here,” Bansal said.
The medico also dismissed any links to Bhim Army, but said that she had been active in social work since 2017.
Meanwhile, the Mathura police will enquire about Bahraich-native Masood Ahmed, who was recently arrested along with three others on way to Hathras from Delhi on October 5.
All four are suspected of having links with the Popular Front of India (PFI).
Superintendent of Police of Bahraich, Vipin Mishra, said on Saturday, “A team of Mathura police spoke to Ahmed’s father and neighbours in Baraikaji locality of Jarwal Road area on Saturday and took their statements. The team also obtained details about Masood from the local police.”
SSP of Mathura, Gaurav Grover, said, “Information and details were collected about the four accused with suspected links with CFI (Campus Front of India), the student wing of PFI. Details about them were also obtained from their Delhi residence. After collecting the evidence, the police will prepare its report.”
Meanwhile, a delegation of Akhil Bharatiya Kshatriya Mahasabha led by former Union minister Raja Manvendra Singh met the family members of the alleged rape and murder accused in Hathras and assured them legal help if they were innocent.
“After hearing their statements and checking the facts, we are sure that the youths are innocent. They have been framed by the victim’s family to save their own skin,” Singh told media persons after meeting the family.