UP government ready for CBI probe into Badaun incident

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav Saturday said his government was okay with the demand for a CBI probe by the family of the two girls gang raped and killed in Badaun district Thursday.

Talking to reporters on the sidelines of a function here, he said the government will soon refer the matter to the investigating agency.

Meanwhile, the fifth accused in the case has also been arrested, officials said. The other four were arrested Friday.

Cases have been registered against two unidentified people.

Earlier in the day, Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi visited the family of the girls and offered his condolences.

Accompanied by state Congress president Nirmal Khatri and party general secretary Madhusudan Mistry, Gandhi later told media persons that the family members wanted justice and not monetary compensation from the state government.

Gandhi supported the family's demand that a CBI probe be ordered into the case. He also expressed concern over the rise in cases of violence against women in the state.

BSP chief Mayawati has also demanded a CBI probe into the incident.

Two minor girls went missing Tuesday when they went to a field to answer nature's call and were later found hanging from a tree in the village. Post-mortem examination later confirmed rape.

While the police initially dithered in taking action, two erring policemen were later suspended and investigation into the case expedited.