Mevani seeks for SIT probe into death of Dalit woman in Mehsana

The Dalit woman’s body was found by an agricultural labourer on a farm land near an abandoned house at Basna in Visnagar on April 27. She worked at a mall in Mehsana.

Giving a 24-hour ultimatum to the Mehsana police and the state government, the Vadgam MLA said, “If the Mehsana police is not able to arrest the accused and probe the case, the investigation should be handed over to Ahmedabad Crime Branch or CID Crime Branch. After consulting the family of the victim, an SIT should be formed. Within 24 hours, the accused should be arrested or we will agitate on the roads.”

Mevani alleged CM Patel, who is “busy with his official schedule”, did not even approach the victim’s family. “He is not ready to say even a word… Even the Visnagar MLA (Rushikesh Patel), who is also the state health minister, has not said a word… If someone is from a Dalit community or deprived background, they do not say anything. In other cases, they take to the streets,” Mevani said.

The legislator also targeted Minister of State for Home Harsh Sanghavi and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) over their silence on the issue. He also demanded a speedy trial within six months in the case.

Meanwhile, the Mehsana police Sunday told The Indian Express that the accused are being questioned and are likely to be arrested Monday.

On April 29, Visnagar taluka police inspector NP Rathore said, “We have asked the Forensic Science Laboratory to look into the matter, too. The local police, local crime branch and the Special Operations Group (SOG) from Mehsana are investigating the case. At least 15 suspects are being questioned.”