CBI begins probe into Bhanwari Devi, Gopalgarh incidents

NEW DELHI: CBI has started investigations in two recent developments that rocked the Ashok Gehlot government in Rajasthan. The first pertains to the mysterious disappearance of Bhanwari Devi, a public health worker. CBI is also probing the communal riots in the Gopalgarh village and adjoining hamlets in the Bharatpur district on September 14, which left 10 persons dead and several others injured.

Bhanwari Devi had disappeared near Jodhpur over a month ago, amid reports that she had a CD showing state minister Mahipal Maderna in a compromising position with her. The minister has since been charged with kidnapping, rape and murder in the case.

The Gopalgarh riots will be probed by a special investigation team, headed by an SP. The clashes took place in Jama Masjid area in Gopalgarh between the Meo Muslims and the Gujjars over a land-related dispute.

"CBI has registered five cases on the reported rioting between two communities, other related offences and alleged police firing at Gopalgarh under relevant sections of the IPC,'' a CBI spokesperson said on Wednesday. "A SIT, headed by an SP, has been constituted for expeditious investigation of these cases," the spokesperson added.