Jammu and Kashmir cops guard Kathua rape victim's home; BJP leader seeks CBI probe

JAMMU: The Jammu and Kashmir government has deployed five policemen to secure the residence of the eight-year-old rape and murder victim at Rasana village, since Monday.

The house is deserted and locked as the family of the nomad girl has left the place and gone on a seasonal migration along with other nomads.

“We have been here since yesterday and are maintaining vigil,” a policeman guarding the residence said.

Meanwhile, senior BJP leader and former Forest Minister Lal Singh took out a rally from Jammu to Kathua on Tuesday to demand a CBI probe into the case.

Addressing people during the rally, he said if people were suspicion of the Crime Branch investigations, then there should be no hesitation in ordering a CBI probe.

Singh along with another BJP minister Chander Prakash was forced to resign after outrage over attending a pro-accused rally in Rasana village and talking against the Crime Branch investigation and demanding a CBI probe.

BJP chief spokesman Sunil Sethi said that Lal Singh took out the rally in his personal capacity. “It was not a party rally”.

Asked about the party’s stand on the investigation, he said, “Since the case is now in court, it is for the court to decide”.

Sethi said if anybody has grievances, he is free to go to the court. “It is their right and nobody can stop them”.