Unnao Rape Victim’s Death: Seven Policemen Suspended For Negligence Of Duty

Hours after the last rites of Unnao rape victim, the Uttar Pradesh government on Sunday suspended seven policemen for negligence of duty. The action against the policemen was taken after taking cognizance of the death of the Unnao rape victim, who was set on fire allegedly by the men accused of raping her a year ago.

"Ajay Kumar Tripathi, SHO of Unnao’s Bihar police station, along with six other police personnel, has been suspended, for negligence during duty in connection with the death of rape victim," Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Awanish Awasthi told PTI.

The development came hours after the last rites of the 23-year-old Unnao rape victim were performed at her native village on Sunday amid tight security arrangements. She was laid to rest in the fields belonging to her family, where the mausoleum (mazaar) of her grandparents is situated.

A large number of local residents and officials were present. Villagers from all walks of life paid their last respects. Earlier, the family members had refused to perform the last rites until Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s visit. However, they agreed after government assured them of 24X7 security and job for her sister. Her brother will also be allowed license to hold arms for self defense.

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The woman was set afire by five men, including two of her alleged rapists, on Thursday morning when she was going to Rae Bareli to attend a court hearing in the rape case. She sustained 90 per cent burn. After being set on fire, the woman ran for a kilometre shouting for help but nobody came to her rescue. According to reports, she had to call thr ambulance herself. She died at Delhi's Safdarjung Hospital during the treatment.

Following her death, massive protests broke out in Lucknow and a candle march was carried out in the national capital. Locals at her village reportedly heckled Unnao MP Sakshi Maharaj and two state Cabinet ministers when they visited her family.

(With PTI inputs)