The case of alleged rape by seven Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) jawans in Shravasti district took a curious turn on Wednesday when three of the minors among the four “victims” denied that they had been raped. The fourth victim, who is 22-year-old, maintained that she was raped, and only one SSB jawan was involved, but the medical tests haven’t corroborated the allegation, the police said. Additional SP Lallan Rai, who is officiating as SP, confirmed: “The three minors denied having been raped. The eldest one, however, insisted that she was raped. This girl also said only one SSB jawan was involved in the act.” The ASP said the general examination, pathological tests, and the smear examination of this girl had shown no evidence of rape or attempt to rape. But since the girl was insisting, the police will proceed with the prosecution, the ASP said. All four girls belong to one joint family of Fatehpur Bangai village, near Jamunaha SSB post, and the complaint was lodged by Hamid Ali, the father of the eldest. He alleged that SSB jawans forcibly entered his house in the wee hours of Tuesday, held the other family members at gunpoint, and raped the girls. The police had doubts about the complaint right from the beginning because it found no evidence of forced entry in the house, nor of any physical resistance. However, Hamid Ali said only the police could explain the absence of evidence or why three of the girls had denied the charge. The youngest girl is deaf and dumb. Police sources suspect that Hamid Ali, who is a potter, had been used by some influential people in an attempt to discredit the SSB so that they could carry on their illegal trans-border activities without hindrance. However, police officers do not want to say anything on record about the motive of the FIR until the investigation is complete. Deputy Inspector General, Devipatan Range, R K Rai said the statements of the girls would be recorded before a magistrate under Section 164 of the CrPC. SSB DIG, Gorakhpur Range, Som said: “The primary inquiry has yet to find any evidence corroborating the allegation. We know that our boys were innocent, but police investigation will make the case crystal clear.” IG, SSB (Lucknow Frontier), Satyavrat said departmental action would be initiated against the jawans if they were found guilty. He has also ordered a separate inquiry by a senior official.
