UP govt orders CB-CID probe into Lakhimpur 'murder'

LUCKNOW: Under fire from opposition parties over the law and order situation, the Uttar Pradesh government has ordered a CB-CID probe into the alleged rape and murder of a 14-year-old girl in Lakhimpur district.

An FIR has been lodged against a sub-inspector and two policemen for tampering with evidence. The government has also ordered a fresh post-mortem of the victim by a panel of doctors from other districts.

Missing since Friday evening, the girl was found hanging from a tree inside the premises of Nighasan Police Station. The victim's mother in her complaint had alleged that the girl was raped and murdered.

"At a high-level meeting late last night, it was decided that the probe into the death of the girl should be handed over to the CB-CID," a senior police officer said on Monday.

The CB-CID has been asked to submit its report within a week's time, the officer said.

The government has also rejected the preliminary post-mortem report which stated asphyxia as the result of death.

"It has been decided that a second post-mortem will be conducted by a panel of doctors from other district," he said.

The officer said that divisional commissioner Lucknow Prashant Dwiwedi and IG range Subesh Kumar have been asked to visit Nighasan and take stock of the situation.

NHRC had yesterday decided to send a probe team to the spot.

"The Commission has decided to depute its investigation team for conducting an on the spot inquiry into the incident.It has also decided to issue notice to the Director General Police of the state, calling for a detailed report in the incident within four weeks," an NHRC spokesperson said in New Delhi.