Hathras Case: CBI takes over probe from UP Police

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has taken over the probe into the Hathras case relating to the alleged gangrape and murder of a 19-year old Dalit woman..Earlier this week, the Uttar Pradesh government had requested for CBI to take over the probe into the case in an affidavit submitted by it before the Supreme Court..A petition is pending before the Supreme Court seeking a court-monitored CBI probe. The Bench of Chief Justice of India SA Bobde and Justices AS Bopanna and V Ramasubramanian had directed the Uttar Pradesh government to file an affidavit containing details on the protection offered to witnesses, and whether the victim's family has chose a lawyer to represent them.The Court has also asked for suggestions on how the scope of the proceedings before the Allahabad High Court can be widened..On October 1, the Lucknow Bench of the Allahabad High Court had taken suo motu cognizance of the incident and had summoned the state functionaries to put forth their version of the case. The matter has been listed to be taken up on October 12. The family members of the victim have also been directed to be present before the Court so that the Court can further ascertain the facts..The UP Police had denied occurrence of rape in the case by citing a forensic report which showed the absence of sperm samples in the victim's body..The police also cremated the victim in the middle of the night, allegedly ignoring the protests of her family members, following which various letter petition were written to the Supreme Court as well as the Allahabad High Court.