Bhanwari case: CBI collects samples from limekilns

Suspecting that missing nurse Bhanwari Devi had been killed in a limekiln, the CBI has sent some forensic samples it gathered at several such units and a vehicle allegedly used in the crime for scientific examination.

Suspecting that missing nurse Bhanwari Devi had been killed in a limekiln, the CBI has sent some forensic samples it gathered at several such units and a vehicle allegedly used in the crime for scientific examination.

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"We have gathered forensic samples that we suspect might comprise traces of biological remains from limekilns around Jodhpur and also from a jeep believed to have been used to carry Bhanwari Devi after her abduction," a CBI source said.

The CBI has recovered from the seized jeep possible crime clues including "hair strands, a jewellery item belonging to Devi, small pieces of cloth and a pair of shoes", the source said.

The agency has also recorded statements of a few workers at some of the limekilns.

These samples had been sent to the Central Forensic Science Laboratory (CFSL) to examine if they could be linked to Bhanwari Devi. As part of this process, the agency has begun the process of procuring forensic samples from the victim's close family members.

The DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) profiles generated from the forensic samples of her relatives will be used to match similar ones generated from the evidence sent to the CFSL.

Bhanwari Devi went missing on September 1.

Minister Mahipal Maderna lost his job and was suspended from Congress membership after allegations surfaced that he could be involved in the crime.

Shahabuddin, who was arrested by the CBI on October 22 on suspicion that he had played a role in Bhanwari Devi's abduction, allegedly said she had been murdered.

"The agency is likely to make significant arrests in the case soon," the source said.

Apart from Maderna, the CBI recently grilled MLA Malkhan Singh.