Moga molestation case: Mayawati demands investigation by higher authorities

Bahujan Samajwadi Party (BSP) supremo Mayawati on Thursday asked the relevant higher authorities to probe the Moga molestation case as she feels the Punjab Government will not be able to investigate the case properly.

"This is a very painful incident. As per the information received, the bus (involved in the incident) belonged to some company of Punjab Government chief's family member. In such a situation, I don't think the state government will be able to provide any help to the sufferers," Mayawati said.

"I would like the higher authorities to take charge of the case and punish the guilty. The mother and daughter were initially molested and were thrown out of the bus on protesting," she added.

Mayawati further said it was more painful to know that the co-passengers in the bus, driver and conductor continued to watch all this happen, instead of providing help.

"The 14-year old victim died on the spot while the mother is in critical condition," she added.

Meanwhile, Union Minister for Food Processing Industries Harsimrat Kaur Badal termed the incident as highly condemnable and objectionable.

"I read this news from newspapers. It is highly objectionable and condemnable and should be condemned in strongest possible words," Badal told media persons here.

"This is good that two accused were immediately detained and the investigation is going on. Strictest punishment will be given to the culprits," she added.

According to reports, a 13-year-old girl died and her mother suffered serious injuries yesterday when they had to jump out of a moving bus to avoid molestation by some youth near Punjab's Moga town. The girl was declared brought dead by the doctors.

The police has impounded the bus.

The woman was travelling to meet her relatives at a nearby village with her daughter when the untoward incident took place.