U.P. Govt. orders magisterial probe into Etawah gang-rape

The Uttar Pradesh Government has ordered a magisterial inquiry into the alleged gang-rape of a 20-year-old girl in Etawah.

The victim is currently battling for life at a Saifai hospital after being set on fire by her attacker.

Uttar Pradesh's Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order) Arun Kumar confirmed in Lucknow that a magisterial probe has been ordered.

"There appears to be some contradiction in the FIR and the statement taken from people concerned," he told media persons.

The issue was related to the marriage of the girl and the accused for which the villagers had mediated and a panchayat was also held asking the family to agree to it (marriage). The matter concerned bearing the expenses of the wedding, he said.

A case under Section 376 and 307 of IPC has been registered against seven persons, including a woman, and hunt is on to nab the accused.

"The girl has suffered 98% burns and her vital signs are deteriorating with signs of severe organ failure," said a senior doctor at the burns unit of the UP Rural Institute of Medical Sciences, Saifai, where she is undergoing treatment.

The victim, a college student, has named five friends of her lover Farman for committing the crime. They have been identified as Mehmood, Saddo, Sabra, Pappu, all residents of Desarmau village and Shakeel of bordering Mewati Tola area, Deputy Inspector General of Police (Kanpur Range) A K Chaturvedi said.

Farman and his family have fled the village and raids are underway to nab them, Chaturvedi said.