Back in Surat, Khushi changes statement

The Surat love story involving a Hindu minor girl and a Muslim boy took a new turn after the girl, Khushi Rukku Agarwal...

The Surat love story involving a Hindu minor girl and a Muslim boy took a new turn after the girl, Khushi Rukku Agarwal, changed her statement before the Surat police today.

During interrogation at Umra Police Station in Surat city, the girl reportedly said that she was taken to Mumbai by Abdul Qadir Naalband without her consent and that she was brainwashed by him into accompanying him to the metro. Khushi reportedly said this to the investigating officer in the presence of Deputy Commissioner of Police, Zone-II, Subash Trivedi.

Khushi was brought to Surat under heavy police security on Wednesday night and was kept at Pandesara Police Station, a few kilometres from Umra, to keep mediapersons at bay. The complaint was registered at Umra.

On Thursday morning, she was taken to the office of the Deputy Commissioner of Police. Her parents remained outside.

On being questioned, she reportedly said that Naalband had forced her to make the statements before the media. Khushi was later sent to Umra Police Station.

Last Thursday, Khushi had allegedly eloped with Naalband to Mumbai on a two-wheeler. The two had appeared on a show in a news channel and disclosed their story. They had said that their lives were in danger and that the girl8217;s father, who was against their relationship, had wanted to kill her.

Khushi had earlier told the Maharashtra Police that she was in love with Naalband and had come to Mumbai with him of her own free will. She was sent to Dungri remand home by the Maharashtra Police.

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Commenting on her statement on Thursday, Surat Commissioner RMS Brar said, 8220;This statement will be considered her secondary statement given after five days. The earlier statements will be considered as important in the case during the trial. She will also be produced before a court as she is a witness. At present, we cannot say whether she is innocent or guilty. It will be known after the investigation is completed.8221; He said that the Surat police also have a a copy of her statement given to the Mumbai police. 8220;She is willing to stay with her parents in Surat and will concentrate on her studies,8221; said Brar.

Brinda writes to Patil

New Delhi: CPIM Politburo member Brinda Karat has written to Home Minister Shivraj Patil urging the Centre to investigate the recent incidents that tried to disrupt communal harmony in different states. 8220;Communal forces in different states, particularly where the BJP is in office, are trying to whip up communal passion in the name of security of Hindu girls. The proliferation of such groups or organisations under various banners and nomenclatures indulging in blatant communal propaganda and practice has very grave implications for communal harmony, as well as individual rights,8221; she said in the letter. ENS