The CPI (M) on Tuesday demanded a speedy inquiry and trial in the massacre of Dalits in Khairlanji of Maharasthra. Party politburo member Brinda Karat met Home Minister Shivraj Patil and pointed out that the early assurance given by the Central as well as state governments for a “speedy enquiry through setting up a special court has not been implemented”. Four members of the Bhotmange family of Khairlanji in Bhandara district were killed last September. Among the victims, a woman and her daughter were also raped. Karat said chargesheets were filed only against 11 persons, enabling 23 persons including two of the main accused to get bail. “Shockingly, within two days of their release on bail, the accused organised an offence victory celebration outside the house of the key witness in the case Sidharth Gajbhaye,” she said.
