The Gujarat Government today announced formation of a commission of inquiry to probe alleged gang-rape of a woman in Naliya town of Kutch district in which four BJP members are among the accused.
Minister of State for Home Pradeepsinh Jadeja told the state Assembly that A L Dave, former judge of Gujarat High Court who had served as an acting Chief Justice, would head the commission. "People can approach the commission to make representations," he said.
Congress MLA Raghavji Patel however objected as his party had sought inquiry by a sitting judge. Why the government opted for a retired judge, the MLA asked.
The minister said it was difficult to get a sitting judge. "Looking at the current strength of judges, it was very unlikely that we get a sitting judge to head the inquiry. To avoid delay in providing justice to the victim, we decided to go ahead with a retired judge," he said.
Last month, as Congress MLAs took up the issue, Chief Minister Vijay Rupani had assured that a judicial inquiry would be held.
A 24 years old married woman filed an FIR in Naliya in January this year alleging that she was raped by at least nine persons on several occasions a year ago.
The accused made a video of the act and blackmailed her, she said. They were running a sex racket in Kutch district and had victimised other women too, she told the police.
A Special Investigation Team of Kutch police has so far arrested eight persons including four local BJP members who were suspended from the party after the case came to light.
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