LUCKNOW: Special Investigation Team (SIT) investigating the alleged gang-rape and murder of a Dalit girl in Hathras is likely to seek a second extension to table its probe, encompassing all aspects of the crime, including allegations of mishandling of the case by the district officials and local cops.
The SIT was scheduled to submit its findings on Saturday after the 10-day extension of its original deadline of October 7. Sources said, the report will probably be handed over to the chief minister on Monday.
The three-member panel headed by state home secretary Bhagwan Swaroop, DIG Chandra Prakash and IPS officer Poonam, was constituted on September 30.
A senior home department officer said, SIT needs more time to document the report after collating evidence and eyewitness accounts. The team was constituted following allegations of botched handling of the case by the local administration and police and was mandated to probe the crime and conduct of officials and cops, who allegedly threatened the victim’s family.
The SIT dug its heels in the village for over a week and took down statements of every member of the victim’s family and cops deployed on duty. Sources said, the statements of over 100 persons have been recorded.
Later, local cops have gone on record to say the unrest in the village during the girl’s cremation was pre-planned.
(The victim's identity has not been revealed to protect her privacy as per Supreme court directives on cases related to sexual assault)