Date:23/01/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/01/23/stories/2007012316050900.htm

National

Minister meets victims of alleged gang rape in U.P.

Special Correspondent

LUCKNOW: Under fire on the issue of the alleged gang rape of two inmates of Madrasa Jamiat-us-Salehat Islam under the Kareli police station area in Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mulayam Singh Yadav on Monday launched damage control measures.

Mr. Yadav sent Family Welfare Minister Ahmed Hasan to Allahabad to meet the victims of the alleged gang rape.

Mr. Hasan distributed Rs. 2 lakh compensation to the victims and promised action against the accused.

Official sources said the Minister further assured the madrasa management that security in and around the institution of religious learning would be spruced up.

Following the crime accompanied by large-scale violence and arson in Allahabad on Sunday, the Government swung into action and suspended the station in-charge of Kareli police station.

The police also arrested four persons for their alleged involvement in the crime. They have been identified as Shibu, Akhlaque, Shahuddin and Naushad.

Special Secretary, Home, Kamal Saksena told newspersons in Lucknow that hunt was on for the others named in the FIR lodged by the madrasa's manager, Wasiullah.

On Sunday, Bahujan Samaj Party leader Mayawati met the gang rape victims and demanded action against the guilty, even as the Congress and women's wing of the United Democratic Front staged a dharna and road jam.