...It all began on October 25

Mohit Khanna

Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, December 5

It all started on October 25, when the victim was first kidnapped. She was on way to school at that time.

The family accused Babbu (30), a butcher; Shehzad (21), an engineering diploma student; Anwar (25), employed with a multinational firm; and Bikki, a grocery shop employee; of kidnapping the girl.

On October 27, the girl returned home. On October 28, the Sahnewal police registered a case under Sections 365, 376 and 511 of the IPC on victim's complaint.

Inspector Anil Bhanot said three accused were arrested, while one continued to evade arrest.

Mohd Affak Ansari, a neighbour, said the accomplices of the arrested youths came to the victim's house on October 31. They assaulted the victim and her family members.

"They were pressing the family to withdraw the case. Soon, the arrested youths also got bail and began threatening the victim of dire consequences if she did not withdraw her complaint," Ansari said.

The police succumbed to pressure as the accused enjoyed backing of a local politician. "On October 31, we staged a protest against the lax attitude of the police, but to no avail," he said.

Focal Point SHO Surinder Singh said a case of attempt to murder had been registered against Binder, Niaz, Babbu, Shehzad, Anwar and Amarjit. Shehzad, Anwar and Niaz had been arrested and efforts were on to arrest other accused.