Hathras gang-rape: Letter petition urges Allahabad HC for earlier date of appearance, security for victim's family

A letter has been filed in the Allahabad High Court seeking an earlier date of appearance for the Hathras gang-rape victim's family, so that they can narrate their version of facts without being subjected to any pressure or coercion..The plea filed by Advocate Kuldeep Rai also seeks a direction for security to be provided to the deceased victim’s family. Further, the plea seeks criminal contempt proceedings to be initiated against all erring police officials and the concerned District Magistrate for violating the High Court's specific direction not to influence the victim's family members..Commending the suo motu action taken by the Lucknow Bench of the High Court, the letter petition states that the police has already prejudged the issue by denying that the rape took place..The petition reads,."To the utmost shock is that the police authority along with the DM of Hathras has very explicitly made a mockery of judicial system and made people believe that Police and DM can do anything and they are above law."Letter petition filed in Allahabad HC.Relying on various news reports and video footage being circulated on social media sites, the petitioner submits that the brother of the victim has alleged that the district administration was intimidating the family and was not allowing them to leave their area in the village or talk to the media..“Police have blockaded us from all sides, roofs, lanes and in the village. They are not letting us out,” the victim’s brother told reporters, as per the petition..The petition further cites the victim's brother as saying that the administration had snatched the mobile phones of all family members, and that the District Magistrate had kicked his uncle in the chest, following which he fainted..On these grounds, among others, the High Court has been urged to bring forward the date of appearance of the deceased victim’s family, and to direct that security be provided to them..The Allahabad High Court had recently taken suo motu cognizance over the pre-dawn cremation of the 19-year old dalit woman who was stated to have been gang-raped and mutilated. This matter is scheduled to be taken up on October 12..On a similar note, Activist Saket Gokhale also moved the Allahabad High Court today in a letter petition against the proposed narco analysis test to be conducted on the family of the victim..[Read the letter-petition here]