FIVE ACCUSED IN CBI CUSTODY

SHIMLA: The CBI on Wednesday took custody of the five accused of gangraping and murdering a 16-year-old school girl on July 4.

On July 13, Himachal Police claimed a breakthrough by arresting Ashish Chauhan, alias Ashu (29) of Sharaal village of Kotkhai; Rajender Singh, alias Raju (32), driver of a pick-up vehicle and a resident of Hilaila village; Subash Singh Bisht (42) of Pauri Garhwal; Suraj Singh (29) of Nepal; Lok Jan (19) of Nepal; and Deepak (38) of Garhwal.

Ashish is said to be from an influential political family. Suraj died in police lockup on July 19, sparking off violent protests amid call for an impartial CBI probe.

PHONE NUMBERS TO PROVIDE INFO

The CBI’s SIT probing the case and gave two phone numbers on which people can provide information about the crime. People can inform the SIT by calling on 82198-85920 and 82198-93500 or messaging via Whatsapp. They asked Shimla district administration to publicise the numbers.

STOP POLITICISING ISSUE: VICTIM’S KIN

The victim’s kin on Tuesday joined a chain hunger strike in Shimla opposing politicisation of the issue, while demanding CBI to complete investigation soon.

Madad Sewa Samiti, a conglomerate, launched a chain hunger strike for 14 days. “Rape, murder followed by custodial killing of Nepalese is heinous,” said Tanuja Thapta, leading the protest.

“It is sad that the matter is being politicised. We expected local politicians to help us,” she added.

“Our aim is simply justice. We are strictly against politicisation of the issue,” said Kanta, belonging to the victim’s village. Another kin of the victim said, “It is sad that the government is underplaying the entire episode while the BJP is overplaying it.”