Farmers Movement Archive

Tikri border rape: Accused claims it was a case of molestation, seeks stay on arrest

CHANDIGARH: In a twist to the alleged gang rape case of an activist, who later died of Covid-19, at Tikri border in Bahadurgarh during her stay to participate in the ongoing farmers’ agitation, one of the accused Anoop Chanaut has claimed that it was actually a case of molestation but the serious charges of gang rape were filed against innocent persons by the investigating agency to oblige their political bosses. The accused, who has approached the Punjab and Haryana high court for prearrest bail, also claimed that even in the video, prepared by another female activist, the victim has mentioned only one incident that occurred on the train and involves another accused Anil Malik, who allegedly forcibly kissed her during the journey to Delhi. “Except this, nothing has been stated against anyone in the said video graphed statement and thereafter she was shifted to other tents with girls and matter was brought to the notice of organisers of the farmers’ protest. If we go through the entire FIR, no offence of rape is made out against anyone and the pointed allegations are only against Anil Malik and that too if taken on the face value, attract only the offence under Section 354 (molestation) under IPC," Anoop has claimed in his plea. Tikri rape case: HC to hear plea tomorrowThe accused approached the HC after a local court in the Jhajjar district of Haryana rejected his anticipatory bail on July 2. His plea would come up for hearing before the HC on Tuesday. The FIR in this case, which includes the charges of gang rape, was registered on May 9 at Bahadurgarh city police station in Haryana’s Jhajjar district. The complaint in this regard was given by the deceased activist’s father. As of now, police have arrested the key accused, Anil Malik but two other accused - Ankur Sangwan and Anoop are still at large. Recently, the police also announced rewards for those providing information about the absconding duo. According to police, during interrogation, Anil Malik admitted that the activist was sexually exploited by him along with Anoop. On June 29, the Punjab and Haryana high court had dismissed the anticipatory bail plea of Ankur Sangwan and had observed that while deciding the anticipatory bail of an accused, the impact of grant of anticipatory bail particularly in case of large magnitude affecting a very large number of people is also to be considered. Ankur is now planning to approach the Supreme Court.

The Times of India

2021-07-11

Chandigarh