Rewari rape accused jawan fails to join work

JAIPUR: One of the main accused in Rewari rape case, Pankaj - an army jawan posted in Rajasthan was supposed to return from leave on Monday. But after failing to join work, he has been declared Overstay on Leave (OSL), confirmed army officials. Although one of the prime accused has been arrested, search is still on for the other two including Pankaj who is a native of Rewari but is posted in an Air Defence Regiment in Kota.

Col Sombit Ghosh, PRO and spokesperson, defence, Rajasthan told TOI, “The individual in question was supposed to report back to his regiment today and according to the rule all personnel on leave are supposed to be back before 12 noon on the day of reporting. Since Pankaj hasn’t shown up till now, he is being declared OSL.”

The Army jawan is wanted in a case in Haryana where 19-year-old woman was allegedly abducted, drugged and driven around three districts of Rewari in broad daylight before being gang-raped by a dozen men.

On condition of anonymity, an official added, “The Army can help with a condition that Pankaj does come back to his regiment which is unlikely if has committed the crime. Since he has been accused in a rape case, it is a civil offence and is dealt with by the civil authorities. However, he cannot be on the run for long and will eventually be caught by the police.”

Haryana police had reportedly sent teams to Delhi and Rajasthan which landed here on Saturdayto catch the three main accused who allegedly committed this crime out of which only Nishu Phogat has been arrested but the remaining accused Pankaj and Manish continue to be on the run. They have also asked for help from the officials of Kota Military Station who have assured them of all possible assistance.