Aligarh child murder: Internet services suspended in Khair to curb rumour mongering

TAPPAL(ALIGARH): In order to curb rumour mongering on social media in wake of the brutal murder of a two-and-a-half-year-old girl, the district administration on Monday suspended internet services in the Khair tehsil of Aligarh for 24 hours till midnight. As investigation into the case progress, the Tappal circle officer, Pankaj Srivastava, was also removed from his post by the SSP Aligarh.
The district magistrate CB Singh confirmed that internet service have been suspended to ensure that no one attempts to disturb communal harmony in the area by spreading fake news and rumours on social media. He said the step was taken as a precautionary measure.
Superintendent of Police (crime), Arvind Kumar told TOI that Sanjeev Dixit will now replace Pankaj Srivastava in Khair. Earlier, five policemen were also suspended by the SSP for inaction in the case.
Talking to TOI, UP DGP OP Singh, claimed that the situation is absolutely normal in Aligarh. All accused have been arrested and now the case will be fast tracked.
He said that in most of the recent cases of rapes and murders, in the rural areas of Khushnagar and Hamirpur, all the accused have been arrested. He said that during a review meeting, CM Yogi Adityanath has directed that successful conviction is required in these cases.
"Cases related to POCSO (Protection of Children from Sexual Offences) will be compiled at all police stations for speedy prosecution and intensive monitoring," said Singh.
He told TOI that the police will start awareness program to sensitise girl students in rural areas. Giving details of it, Singh said that it is necessary for a girl student to understand "good and bad touch" and also how to judge a relative’s or a known person’s behaviour towards them. He said, such things are usually taught in urban schools but are missing in rural areas and hence the UP police wants to make amends and commence such lessons here too.
Singh further said that police patrolling will be intensified, especially to cover all vulnerable areas in rural pocket. He added that anti-romeo squads will be strengthened so that they are more visible and give confidence to the girls.
The police have arrested four persons including the prime accused Zahid Ali, his wife, Shabusta, brother Mehndi Hassan and his associate Aslam in connection with the brutal killing of the girl child over a financial dispute with the victim’s grand father. The girl's mutilated body was spotted by a cleaner when stray dogs dragged it from a garbage dump on June 2, three days after her abduction.
The incident has triggered massive outrage. Political leaders and celebrities have also tweeted their anger and disgust over the crime.