NCW takes cognisance of gang-rape, murder of 2 Dalit teenage girls in UP

The National Commission of Women has taken suo moto cognisance of the alleged gang-rape and murder of two teenaged Dalit sisters, whose bodies were found hanging from a tree in Badaun district of UP. 

"We have taken suo moto cognisance of the gang-rape. An enquiry committee has been set up and will be sent there for further investigations into the case. We are waiting the Action Taken report and only after that we can see what needs to be done. Right now we have no information about any arrests made in the case," said National Commission for Women Chairperson Mamata Sharma.

Describing the case as "gruesome", she said strict action would be taken based on the inquiry. She said an enquiry committee will be sent in a day or two to look into the matter.

The two girls, who were cousins and aged 14 and 15 years, went missing from their house on Tuesday night and their bodies were found hanging from a mango tree in the village in Ushait area on Wednesday.

The incident triggered protests in the area with villagers alleging police apathy following which an FIR was registered against seven persons including constables Sarvesh Yadav and Rakshapal Yadav, who were suspended. One of the accused Pappu Yadav has been arrested, while two other accused Brijesh and Awadhesh have been identified and other two are still unknown, Superintendent of Police, City, Man Singh Chauhan said on Wednesday.