Haryana forensic experts have concluded that the fire that killed the two Dalit kids in a Faridabad village earlier this month originated inside the room, reports said Friday.
The Indian Express reported that forensic experts found a half-burnt kerosene oil plastic bottle and a burnt matchstick inside the room, which was bolted from inside
The forensic team comprising director, Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) and assistant directors of the Physics and Chemistry divisions of the FSL, was reportedly of the unanimous opinion that the “origin and source of fire was from inside the room.”
The report also quoted unnamed sources in the FSL as saying there were no signs of “outside entry” into the premises when the alleged attack took place.
This finding contradicts the version given by Jitender -- the father of the two dalit children who were killed in the fire -- that a mob of Rajputs started the fire in the room when he and his family were sleeping inside.
Read: 2 children of Dalit family burnt alive, parents injured in Faridabad
Jitender’s wife, Rekha, who too was sleeping inside the room, was admitted at the Safdarjung Hospital with 30% burns. In her statement, she corroborated Jitender’s version.
{{/usCountry}}Jitender’s wife, Rekha, who too was sleeping inside the room, was admitted at the Safdarjung Hospital with 30% burns. In her statement, she corroborated Jitender’s version.
{{/usCountry}}The incident which happened on October 20, created outrage across the country, with the BJP government in the state accused of doing nothing to prevent attacks on Dalits.
Read: Dalit youth talk of revenge as anger grows
The FSL team is likely to submit its report by the weeked to the CBI which is probing the case.
According to the newspaper, the forensic report also contradicted Jitender’s statement on a few other points. Like for instance, the plants were not disturbed near the wall which the attackers allegedly used to gain entry into the house.
Also, the inflammable substance was not poured vertically inside the room, but in a circular pattern. Indicating, according to the report, that whoever poured it was inside the bolted room when the crime happened.
Read: Dalit kids death: VK Singh makes ‘dog’ comment, then clarifies
Rahul Gandhi blames PM’s ‘attitude’ for Faridabad Dalit killings
Burning of Dalit family: Ballabgarh has history of caste violence