HC takes cognizance of alleged Murthal gang-rapes, asks victims to come forward to register complaint

Chandigarh: The Punjab and Haryana High Court has sought a detailed report from the Haryana Director General of Police and the Home Secretary by Monday in connection with cases of alleged gang-rapes in Murthal near Sonepat during the Jat agitation.

The High Court took suo motto cognizance of the issue after it emerged that some women passengers were allegedly raped near Murthal in Sonipat during the Jat agitation.

Sensing the seriousness of the matter, the High Court also reportedly said that victims of the alleged sexual assault could file complaints directly with chief judicial magistrates, instead of going to the police .

"If any victim comes forward with a complaint, we will order an inquiry by an independent agency," the High Court said, as per ANI.

It also directed the district legal service authorities to set up a helpdesk, where the victims can file complaints.

However, the local police and state government continue to maintain that no sexual assault on women took place at Sonipat during the Jat quota agitation.

Till now no complainant has come forward, YP Singhal, Haryana DGP said while replying to questions on alleged gang-rapes during the Jat stir.

Matter was investigated but no concrete evidence could be found which can prove that any such incident took place there, he added.

Meanwhile, a team of the National Commission for Women (NCW) has visited Larhsoli village in Sonepat district, where the women were reportedly raped. The team quizzed some people and met the officials of Sonepat district administration. The NCW team has not found any clue of rape yet, and so far, no one has also come forward with any complaint.