BJP politicising Kotkhai rape case, says Virbhadra

MANDI: Restless over the widespread protests across the state, especially in Shimla district, after brutal gang rape of minor girl in the forest area of Kotkhai, Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh today slammed the BJP as well as media by saying that while the former was politicizing the case to gain political mileage, the latter was exaggerating the reports and adding fuel to the fire.

Aggressive protesters throw stones on the police station at Kotkhai, around 60 km from Shimla, on Wednesday. Photo: Amit Kanwar

Dipender Manta

Tribune News Service

Mandi, July 19

Restless over the widespread protests across the state, especially in Shimla district, after brutal gang rape of minor girl in the forest area of Kotkhai, Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh today slammed the BJP as well as media by saying that while the former was politicizing the case to gain political mileage, the latter was exaggerating the reports and adding fuel to the fire.

Addressing a public meeting at Padhar in Mandi, the Chief Minister said the matter was being politicized by the BJP in view of the upcoming Assembly elections, which is a shameful act. He also targeted the media saying that it was exaggerating reports.

“The press has a greater responsibility and should keep all angles in mind while reporting”, he added. “To play politics on the death of a minor girl is shameful as her soul also would not be able to rest in peace. I am committed to bringing the culprits to book and believe me, I personally want them to be hanged for the heinous crime they have committed”, he remarked.

In reply to a query he said those involved in rape and murder would be severely punished and justice would be done. “The government had earlier formed a Special Investigation Team. Later I personally wrote a letter to the Prime Minister to get a CBI inquiry instituted in the case”, he elaborated.

He said the police persons on duty at Kotkhai police station had been sent on police line after one accused murdered the other by hitting him on his private parts.

In response to the protests as well as arson of government property by the agitating people, the Chief Minister said it is after the end of the trial that punishment or justice will be decided by courts and law should not be taken by the people in their own hand in a fit of rage.

The Chief Minister asked whether there existed a place where crime did not take place, adding that the media flares up the things and presented them in such a manner showing it was only in Himachal that the law and order situation was bad. The law and enforcement agencies are on the job and the truth would be out soon.

Cancels tour to Jogindernagar

Taking stock of the situation, the Chief Minister cancelled his official tour to Jogindernagar in Mandi, which was scheduled for Thursday and he moved back to Shimla by road after his tour at Drang Constituency in the district on Wednesday.