Haryana Director General of Police YP Singhal said on Friday that their investigations had not unearthed any “concrete evidence” to prove that 10 women were raped by rioters near Murthal in Sonepat on Monday during the Jat reservation stir. The Punjab and Haryana High Court on Wednesday took notice of an article published by The Tribune that reported the incidents and observed that the “country’s premier investigation agency” should look into the allegations.
Addressing a press conference, Singhal said no one had come forward to lodge a rape complaint. He also urged the media to share any information they may have on the matter to help with the investigation, ANI reported. Additional Home Secretary PK Dass said that the state legal service authority will take up the issue in accordance with the High Court’s directions.
Furthermore, the DGP announced that three policewomen – one deputy inspector general and two deputy superintendents of police – are available on phone if anyone wishes to come forward and file a formal complaint.
The Tribune report said rioters stopped National Capital Region-bound vehicles and sexually assaulted women passengers, before setting the vehicles on fire. It also said “senior officers” discouraged the rape victims from pursuing the matter, quoting them as saying: “what had happened could not be undone”.
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