CBI to probe Badaun rapes, killings

The CBI Thursday registered a first information report (FIR) in Badaun rapes-and-killings case and is sending a team of 20 officials to conduct the probe in Uttar Pradesh, CBI chief Ranjit Sinha said.

Two cousin sisters, aged 14 and 15 years, were allegedly gang raped and were later found hanging from a tree May 27 in Katra Sadatganj village of Uttar Pradesh's Badaun district, causing a national uproar.

While attending an investiture ceremony of the 17th batch of sub-inspectors of the agency at its academy in Ghaziabad, CBI director Ranjit Sinha told reporters: "We have received a notification from the central government and registered a case in Badaun rape and murder case."

He said that the special crime branch team, including forensic experts, will be led by DIG Madhukar Tiwari.

A CBI official said that the team will "leave for Uttar Pradesh tomorrow (Friday)".

"The UP government has been requested to provide logistical support to the visiting team."

An official said that CBI sleuths are part of the special crime branch of the agency.

The agency will also seek the custody of the accused who have been arrested in connection with the case by Uttar Pradesh Police.

Seven people have been booked by the state police.

Five of the seven accused -- two constables Chhatrapal Yadav and Sarvesh Yadav and three brothers -- have been arrested.

The three arrested brothers are Pappu, Awadhesh and Urvesh Yadav.

In a twist to the case, Uttar Pradesh Director-General of Police A.L. Banerjee earlier claimed that rape of one of the victims was not confirmed, suggesting that property could be one of the motives behind the crime.

The double rape and murder triggered nationwide outrage and the Akhilesh Yadav government has drawn flak over the law and order situation in Uttar Pradesh.