Congress legislators unhappy with handling of public outrage

Himachal Pradesh Congress chief Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu sought a report from district units on the public outrage across the state following the death of a Nepalese accused in the Kotkhai gang rape and murder case.

“Not only public, but legislators too have made a representation to the party, complaining about the way things were handled after the rape and murder of the girl,” Sukhu said.

“A detailed report on the handling of the issue will be sent to the Congress high command for consideration,” he added.

“Chief minister Virbhadra Singh’s coterie comprises all hired and fired people. The situation worsened after the death of Nepalese accused Suraj in police custody,” said a Congress legislator who made a representation to Sukhu. The state government is facing sharp criticism from its own party men. Firebrand Congress leader, transport and technical education minister GS Bali, had termed the case a blemish on the state. Meanwhile, Shimla deputy commissioner (DC) Rohan Chand Thakur and new district police chief Soumya Sambhavasin met Nepali Ekta Manch and Akhil Bharatiya Nepali Ekta Samaj on Sunday.

Nepalese leaders demanded that the deputy commissioner ensure that Suraj’s body is handed over to them for cremation. They also sought compensation for his wife Mamta.

“We met the representatives and listened to their demands, which will be met in course of time,” Thakur said.

“The association also demanded access to Mamta, who is lodged in a women’s shelter at Mashobra. Now, the CBI has stepped in and we are confident of impartial probe,” said Jokgha Ram, president of Nepali Ekta Manch.