Gujarat Govt hands over rape-murder probe to Range IG

Gujarat Government today handed over the probe of alleged rape and murder of a woman in Bhavnagar district to an Inspector General-rank officer.
The announcement came amid protests by Patel organisations including PAAS and SPG over the crime.
The middle-aged woman, who belonged to the Patel community, was allegedly raped and murdered by some persons at Mandvi village in Gariadhar tehsil of Bhavnagar district on December 1.
Minister of State for Home Pradeepsinh Jadeja announced in a statement today that government had taken the case very seriously, and decided to hand it over to Bhavnagar Range IG Amit Vishwakarma for speedy investigation.

One of the accused was arrested by police on December 2 and sent in judicial custody at Bhavnagar jail. Police had collected various samples from the crime scene and sent them for examination at forensic laboratory, said the release.
Family members of the victim had met Chief Minister Vijay Rupani a few days back, seeking justice for her.

Jadeja assured that police will also conduct lie- detector test of the arrested accused for which they had sought court's permission.
After the incident came to light, members of Sardar Patel Group (SPG) and Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti (PAAS) launched a statewide stir demanding quick action. They alleged that at least six to seven persons were involved in the crime.

Upon receiving the assurance from Jadeja today, PAAS members called off their proposed hunger strike.
In a statement, PAAS convener Dinesh Bambhaniya urged the government to probe the case on a priority basis and arrest all the accused.