Hathras case: CBI likely to question former SP, SDM

A senior CBI official requesting anonymity said the premier investigating agency may question Vir about the probe and the action taken in the case during the initial stage after the woman was assaulted on September 14.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is likely to question former Hathras superintendent of police (SP) Vikrant Vir and sub-divisional magistrate (SDM) PP Meena, to expedite the probe in connection with the alleged gang rape and murder of a 19-year-old woman by four upper caste men in Hathras, senior officers privy to the investigation said on Friday.

Police personnel stand guard as CBI officials (unseen) investigate the case of a 19-year-old Dalit woman who died after being gang-raped, in Hathras, Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2020. (PTI)

Vir was the Hathras SP when the incident took place. The state government later suspended him on October 1 for his alleged negligence in handling the case after a public outcry over cremation of the woman’s body in the early hours of September 30. He is under suspension since then.

A senior CBI official requesting anonymity said the premier investigating agency may question Vir about the probe and the action taken in the case during the initial stage after the woman was assaulted on September 14. He said the former SP would also be questioned about the allegation of forcibly cremating the body and favouring the accused.

The police had initially lodged an FIR of attempt to murder that was later altered to include gang rape and murder charges.

The probe agency has recorded the statements of the victim’s brother, her mother and aunt, and six local police personnel. The four accused, who are lodged in jail, and their family members were also questioned.