Rapes During Jat Protests? Haryana Cops Appeal For Information

Murthal: Inner wear scattered on the highway at Haryana's Murthal, a popular pit-stop for travelers just 50 km from Delhi, gave a chilling face to allegations that women were pulled out of cars and gang-raped here a week ago, at the height of violence during Jat quota protests.

The police say no one has been able to confirm the mass rapes that allegedly took place late on Sunday night; no witnesses have come forward, no complaints have been made and villagers have said nothing.

"We appeal to people to provide any information. We are very serious about the case...we will investigate and make sure that the guilty are punished," said Haryana police chief Yash Pal Singal.

"The clothes that have been found have been collected. We are trying to ascertain if a crime was committed," he added.

Three women officers have been tasked with receiving any rape complaint during the Jat protests.

Facing an escalating controversy, Chief Minister ML Khattar said that an inquiry had been set up. "We will ensure there is no injustice," he said.

A newspaper report had said that cars were stopped by a mob of 30 and at least 10 women were dragged out and raped in the fields. The cars were allegedly set on fire.

The report quoted eyewitnesses as saying that the women lay in the fields almost till dawn until their families came looking for them. Witnesses are quoted as saying the women were persuaded by the police not to press charges.

An NGO has said that its members spoke to witnesses who confirmed the rapes.

Taking note of the allegations, the Punjab and Haryana High Court on Wednesday asked Haryana's Chief Secretary and the police chief to submit a report on the alleged rapes in Murthal.

The court also said that the women who were allegedly assaulted could send their complaints in sealed envelopes to the magistrate and their identity would not be revealed.

Protests by Jat groups demanding reservation in government jobs and education turned violent last week as mobs burnt buildings, blocked highways, damaged cars and even attacked canals, cutting off water supply to Delhi.