Her own family has killed her, claims Hathras case accused

Sandeep and three of his accomplices — Ramu, Lavkush, and Ravi — have been arrested under relevant IPC sections for rape and atrocities under the SC/ST Act.

The deceased, in her second statement to police, said the men, hailing from upper-caste, raped her on September 14, while she was out for farm-related work.

She passed away last Tuesday, succumbing to her serious spine injuries.

The rape case, the unholy late-night cremation of the victim, and the restrictions levied on media as well as politicians, seeking to speak to the bereaved family of Bulgaddhi village, earned criticism for the Yogi Adityanath government.

In sharp remarks this week, the Supreme Court said the victim went through horror and that the state government must provide details about witnesses' protection.

Now, adding a twist to the case, Sandeep shot a letter to Hathras Police, confirming his presence in the field on the day of the alleged rape.

"I had gone to meet her in the fields that day where her mother and brothers were also present. I returned home after being asked by her to do so. I then started feeding cattle," he said.

In the letter, that carried the thumb impressions of other accused, Sandeep added that villagers informed him about the victim being tortured by her mother and brother.

"I have never beaten her or done anything wrong with her. Her mother and brothers falsely accused me and three others and sent us to jail. We are all innocent," he said, demanding a fair probe.

Notably, the probe has hinted that the victim's brother and Sandeep were in touch through the phone.

Over 100 calls were made between Sandeep's phone and the number registered under the name of the victim's brother.

In total, between October 2019 and March 2020, over five hours of conversation took place between them. Now, the investigators are planning to grill the victim's brother.

However, denying the serious allegations, the victim's father said all he wants is justice.

"I have lost my daughter. Now they are trying to malign us. We are not afraid. The allegations are totally false," he was quoted by NDTV. He also said the family doesn't want monetary compensation.

Commenting on the new turn, Congress' Priyanka Gandhi Vadra said the victim doesn't deserve slander.