Gujarat Chief Minister Anandiben Patel today ordered a CID probe into the alleged assault on Dalit community members for allegedly killing a cow at Una last week, and also announced to set up a special court for "speedy" trial of the case.
"The probe into the Una Dalits thrashing case has been handed over to CID (Crime). Also a special designated court will be set up for speedy trial of the case," an official statement listing the orders given by the Chief Minister said.
Terming the incident as "unfortunate", Patel also ordered appointment of a special public prosecutor, who will be required to submit the charge-sheet within sixty days, it said.
In addition, Patel announced that the state government will bear all the medical expenses of the seven Dalit youths, who were injured in this incident and are undergoing treatment at various government hospitals in Una, Junagadh and Rajkot.
"Rs one lakh each has been given to the victims as compensation," it said.
The order from the Chief Minister's office came even as the Rajya Sabha today witnessed a brief adjournment on the opening day of Monsoon session as BSP members trooped into the Well of the House alleging atrocities on Dalits in BJP-ruled Gujarat.
According to the official release, nine persons have been arrested in this case so far, while three policemen have been suspended for dereliction of duty.
The incident at Una town in Gir-Somnath district, where Dalit youths were paraded and flogged for allegedly killing a cow, caused nation-wide outrage after its video went viral. The victims' contention was that they were skinning a dead cow and had not killed it.
Justifying their act, the accused alleged that these youths were involved in cow slaughter.
Several elected leaders of Gir-Somnath met the Gujarat CM at Gandhinagar and demanded action against the culprits.
She assured that officials have been given instructions to take all necessary action in this regard, the release added.
