The Indian Express (Delhi Edition)
Ayodhya: Bakery of rape accused SP leader razed, triggers row
Akhilesh demands DNA test of all accused, Mayawati asks: Did tests happen under SP
A DAY after CM Yogi Adityanath met the mother of a minor rape victim and assured her of justice, the Ayodhya district administration Saturday demolished a bakery owned by the prime accused, a 62- year- old local leader of SP.
The accused ( bakery owner) and a 22- year- old employee of his were arrested on July 30 in connection with the case.
Following the meeting, the Ayodhya district administration team began collecting details about the properties belonging to the accused. The team also visited his house and conducted measurements of premises. On Saturday, the district administration team demolished the structure.
Sub- divisional Magistrate of Ayodhya, Ashok Saini, said the bakery was demolished because it was “built illegally on a pond.” He said an inquiry was underway to collect details about other properties of the accused.
Meanwhile, SP, Ayodhya, Raj Karan Nayyar, suspended two policemen, including the SHO concerned. A sub- inspector, who was posted at a police outpost, has also been suspended.
On July 29, a rape case was registered against the bakery owner and his employee for allegedly raping a teenaged girl and filming the act. The incident came to light when the girl, who used to help out at the bakery, was taken to a hospital after she complained of stomach pain. Doctors confirmed she was pregnant.
“The investigation is ongoing and evidence is being collected. We have so far not found any video of sexual assault as claimed in the FIR,” said a police officer.
SP chief Akhilesh Yadav on Saturday demanded a DNA test of the accused in the case.
“Justice should be done by getting the DNA test done of all accused instead of doing politics by just making allegations,” he said, adding “levelling allegations to defame the SP without investigating the incident is motivated by political malice.”
A tyrant does not have any caste and no party should take his side, Nishad Party chief Sanjay Nishad said. BJP leaders, including UP Chief Minister, have alleged that the accused is a member of SP and part of Faizabad MP Awadhesh Prasad’s team.
BSP chief Mayawati asked how many accused were subjected to DNA tests under the SP rule in such cases, the BJP too stepped up its attack, alleging Yadav has given a “clean chit” to the accused.