Rajasthan HC asks CBI to expedite probe in Bhanwari Devi case

Jodhpur, Nov. 14 (ANI): The Rajasthan High Court on Monday directed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to expedite investigation in the Bhanwari Devi disappearance case.

While asking the CBI to conclude its probe at the earliest, the court gave it ten days time to submit a progress report on or before November 24.

"Rajasthan High Court had admitted a habeas corpus petition filed in connection with Bhanwari Devi\s case, in which the CBI has sought four weeks time to investigate the case, but the court said that four weeks is too long, so now the date is 24th November," said Anand Purohit, counsel for the Rajasthan Government.

"The state government had asked more police force, but the High Court had denied their request saying that they must make a written request, instead of a verbal one. After that, we provided them with adequate police force and we will provide whatever assistance the CBI needs," he added.

The CBI would also resume the interrogation of sacked Rajasthan Minister Mahipal Maderna, an accused in Bhanwari Devi case. Maderna had earlier skipped the questioning on health grounds.

However, a senior doctor at the hospital confirmed that Maderna's condition had improved over the past two days.

"When Madernasaheb was admitted day before yesterday between 11 p.m and 12 a.m. in the night. I was told that he was admitted to the hospital as he complained of discomfort in the chest. At that time, his blood pressure and ECG were recorded and also some tests related to the heart," said Dr. R.K. Asery, a senior doctor.

"The tests related to the heart were normal, but his blood pressure was a little high and he was complaining of chest pain. I have been told today that his blood pressure is gradually becoming normal, but he has still discomfort experienced in his chest," he added.

The CBI has so far seized a camcorder and a computer, which may hold vital clues about the mysterious disappearance of Bhanwari Devi.

It has sought help of the Central Forensic Science Laboratory as well as private experts to retrieve the data.

The agency stumbled upon the camcorder and the computer during one of its searches in connection with the case, but found that data has been erased.

Bhanwari, 36, was posted as auxiliary nurse and midwife at a sub-centre in Jaliwada village, around 120 kms from Jodhpur, and went missing on September one.

Her husband, Amarchand, has alleged she was abducted at the behest of Maderna and his associates.

The charges were denied by Maderna, who was sacked by Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on October 16.

Earlier this month, the CBI has announced a reward of Rs 5 lakh for information about whereabouts of Bhanwari.

The investigating agency also announced another Rs one lakh for information leading to the arrest of absconding accused Sahiram, who is suspected to be the mastermind behind Devi's disappearance. (ANI)