Three police personnel, who were part of a team of nine assigned to protect the Unnao rape survivor, have been suspended. The disciplinary action comes days after the teen and her lawyer were critically wounded, and two of her relatives killed, in a car crash involving a speeding truck that had its number plate painted black. The suspended cops - a male gunner and two police women - were not present at the time of the crash.
The gunner, identified as Suresh, earlier told NDTV that the family had asked them to stay back citing lack of space in the car. "Aunty said there was nothing to worry about since five people were going and that they would be back by evening," he said.
The two other suspended personnel are Ruby Patel and Sunita.
The family has alleged the crash was a "plot to eliminate" the rape survivor. None of the security personnel deputed to guard her accompanied the girl on Sunday's trip.
According to a first information report filed by the girl's uncle after the accident, the cops on her security detail kept the rape accused, four-time legislator Kuldeep Sengar, informed about the her travel plans and routes.
Speaking to reporters on Monday, the girl's mother said the son of a co-accused, Shahi Singh, and another youth had threatened them. "I have got to know that the lawmaker got it done. He is doing everything from inside jail," she said.
The BJP expelled Kuldeep Sengar, 53, who is currently in jail, from the party today morning.
Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra yesterday tweeted in support of the Unnao rape survivor, pointing out that the FIR "mentions the possibility of a planned accident".
"Why do we give people like Kuldeep Sengar the strength and protection of political power and abandon their victims to battle for their lives alone? This FIR clearly states that the family was threatened and apprehensive. It even mentions the possibility of a planned accident," she wrote.
Doctors at the Lucknow hospital where the rape survivor is admitted have said she has extensive fractures on her ribs and collarbones, as well as an arm and leg. She remains in critical condition.
The Supreme Court today said that the CBI probe into the crash must be completed in seven days. The court has also demanded an update on details of the rape case, which is also being investigated by the CBI.
The girl had said that she was sexually assaulted by the the politician when she went to home to seek a job in 2017. Her father died in custody, arrested for allegedly possessing illegal arms. Before the arrest, he was beaten up by Atul Sengar, the brother of Kuldeep Sengar, and his men. Atul Sengar has also been arrested and accused of murder.
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