Delhi demolition drive: Rukaiyya dead, parents under police scanner

In his complaint, he said, “At 9.30 am, we were preparing for the demolition drive. We kept a heap of clothes on the bed and went to other room for packing. When we returned, we spotted that heap on my daughter. I immediately took off the heap… She was gasping. My brother-in-law and I rushed her to Bhagwan Mahavir hospital, where doctors declared her dead.”

Joint Commissioner of Police (southwestern range), Deependra Pathak, said, “Investigations, so far, suggest the girl was killed at least three hours before the (demolition) drive began. Since a case has been lodged, all aspects will be looked into. The parents were present inside the house when the heap of clothes fell on her. Their role will also be investigated,” added Pathak.

According to the post-mortem report from Sanjay Gandhi Hospital, the child’s death was due to shock as result of chest and head injury by blunt force impact. “All injuries are ante-mortem in nature and possible in manner as alleged,” stated the report.

According to a release from the Railways, the police clearance to start removing the encroachments was given at 11.50 am, therefore the death of the child has no connection with the activity of encroachment removal which started at about noon and concluded at 6pm.

A political row had erupted Sunday over the child’s death and the tragedy was blamed on the demolition. However, the sequence of events leading to the tragedy, later suggested the child died before the demolition began. Sources said, Rukaiyya, the youngest of three children of Anwar and Safeena Khatoon, died at least three hours before the demolition work began.

Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu on Monday said in Parliament the girl died before the slum demolition began.

Sources said the family lived in shanty number E-96, which was demolished at about 4 pm, as it was located close to the railway track.