PRAJAPATI’S AIDES HELD

GHAZIABAD/NOIDA: The Uttar Pradesh special task force (UP STF) late on Monday night arrested two aides of rape accused UP transport minister Gayatri Prajapati, from Jewar toll plaza in Gautam Budh Nagar. The two, Ashish Shukla and Ashok Tiwari, who are also accused in the rape case, were later handed over to Lucknow police for further action, STF said.

“We were carrying out checks and nabbed them. They were handed over to Lucknow police for detailed questioning in the case. We were asked to assist in execution of the non-bailable warrants issued by the court in the case,” said Amit Pathak, senior superintendent of police, UP STF.

“Their role will be ascertained by Lucknow police, which is investigating the case,” he added.

On February 17, the Supreme Court had asked UP police to register an FIR against Prajapati. A woman has alleged that he had raped her when she met him three years ago. She alleged that she was raped when she fell unconscious after taking tea laced with a sedative. She alleged that Prajapati also took some photos of her and continued to rape her for two years on the threat of making them public.

On Saturday, a court in Lucknow issued non-bailable warrants against Prajapati and his aides. The rape case was lodged with Gautampalli police on February 18, in compliance with the SC’s orders for an inquiry into the complainant’s allegations and an action taken report to be submitted within eight weeks.

The victim has named Prajapati and six others, Vikas Verma, Ashok Tewari, Amrendra Singh alias Pintu Singh, Chanderpal, Rupeshwar alias Rupesh, and Ashish Shukla.