Rape victims seek SIT probe, SC issues notices

The Supreme Court on Friday issued notices to the Centre and the UP government on a plea by seven women, who were allegedly gangraped during the communal riots in Muzaffarnagar, seeking the setting up of a Special Investigating Team (SIT) of officers from outside the state to probe the cases lodged by them. The petitioners have also pleaded that the trial be shifted to Delhi.
A Bench headed by Chief Justice P Sathasivam asked the governments to file their responses within two weeks.
The petitioners have also prayed that the SIT be constituted to investigate the complaints of “gang-rape, assault, arson, looting of properties, grievous hurt, attempt to murder and other offences committed on them and their families” and it be headed by a “senior woman police officer of impeccable integrity and credentials.
“The state government has completely failed in its constitutional obligation as they (petitioners) were gangraped and sexually assaulted by men of the other community with impunity during the communal riots in Muzaffarnagar and in spite of their names being disclosed in the FIRs, they are being permitted to roam around freely.

Not a single accused by the petitioners of gangrape and other crimes has been arrested, despite the clear mandate of the law. This clearly shows that the police and the Special Investigation Cell are engaged in a cover-up exercise and their investigation lacks credibility and integrity,” the petitioners have said.

communal riots