The investigation into the gang rape of a minor Dalit girl in Ayodhya’s Pura Kalandar police station area has taken a significant turn as the DNA of one of the accused, Raju Khan, matched with the victim. The other accused, Moeed Khan, remains under investigation despite his DNA not matching, due to the victim’s strong and consistent testimony. Both Moeed Khan, a local Samajwadi Party leader, and his driver, Raju Khan, are facing charges under gang rape and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
The DNA report, ordered by the court, has confirmed Raju Khan’s involvement in the crime. Additional Advocate General Vinod Shahi commented, “Since this is a gang rape case, the DNA will match with one of the perpetrators. The victim had clearly stated in her FIR that both Moeed Khan and Raju Khan raped her. Moeed is also accused of filming the assault and blackmailing the victim, which led to her pregnancy.”
The gang rape incident came to light when the victim became two months pregnant, prompting her mother to file an FIR. The victim alleged that Moeed Khan and his driver Raju had raped her on multiple occasions. Moeed allegedly filmed the assault and used the footage to blackmail the minor girl, threatening her into silence for an extended period. The DNA test was conducted to confirm the claims, and the results matched Raju Khan’s DNA with the victim, confirming his involvement.
As the case gains traction, pressure is mounting on SP President Akhilesh Yadav to address the involvement of his party member. Moeed Khan has been a long-standing loyalist of the Samajwadi Party for over two decades, which has led to questions being raised about the party’s response to the case. Critics and political rivals are urging Akhilesh Yadav to take a clear stance on the matter, especially in light of the DNA evidence and the victim’s consistent accusations.
Public outrage has intensified, with demands for accountability from the SP leadership. Yadav’s silence on the issue has drawn criticism from various quarters, as many believe that the party should take decisive action against Moeed Khan. With Moeed’s deep connections within the party, Akhilesh Yadav is facing increasing pressure to either distance the party from the accused or risk political fallout.
While Moeed’s DNA did not match, legal experts have pointed out that DNA evidence is not the only factor that determines guilt in such cases. The victim’s testimony, which has been consistent throughout the investigation, and the video footage Moeed allegedly filmed, will be critical in determining the final outcome of the case.
Despite the lack of a DNA match for Moeed Khan, the victim’s statement remains damning. She has repeatedly testified that Moeed was involved in the gang rape and filmed the assault. According to her, Moeed blackmailed her with the video footage, subjecting her to further sexual assaults.
Additional Advocate General Vinod Shahi clarified that, “In gang rape cases, it is possible for only one perpetrator’s DNA to be found, especially in cases where the crime involves multiple assailants. The victim’s testimony is crucial in establishing the role of all accused.” The DNA evidence, while confirming Raju’s involvement, supports the victim’s overall narrative, strengthening the case against both accused.
The case has drawn considerable attention, not only due to the brutality of the crime but also because of Moeed Khan’s political affiliations. Moeed, who served as the president of the Samajwadi Party’s Bhadarsha city unit, has been a loyalist to the party for the past 20 years. Following the accusations, there has been public outrage, especially after initial reports suggested that local police were slow to take action.
It was only after intervention from members of the Nishad Party and Hindu organisations, who expressed anger at the police’s inaction, that Moeed Khan and Raju Khan were arrested. The police have since registered a case under the POCSO Act and gang rape charges.
The mother of the victim met with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath in Lucknow on August 2, seeking justice for her daughter. During the meeting, CM Yogi assured the family that strict action would be taken against the accused. As a result, the government has also taken action against local police officials who failed to respond to the initial complaint. The police station in-charge and outpost in-charge were removed from their posts.
In addition, bulldozer action was carried out against Moeed Khan’s properties, marking a significant move in the case. This is the first time that such strong measures have been taken against him, further escalating the political ramifications of the case.
The case has also exposed a network of political connections and intimidation. Bhadarsha Nagar Panchayat Chairman, Mohammad Rashid, was named in an FIR for allegedly threatening the victim’s family. Rashid, a close associate of Moeed Khan, is said to have been involved in efforts to silence the victim and her family. Rashid’s father, Mohammad Ahmed, had also been a former chairman of the Panchayat, further complicating the local political landscape.
The victim’s family has been under immense pressure since the case came to light, with threats and attempts at intimidation being reported. However, the DNA evidence and the victim’s unwavering testimony have strengthened the case, providing hope for justice.
