Ayodhya rape case: DNA of foetus matched with that of co-accused Raju, says report filed in HC
Lucknow (PTI): The DNA of the aborted foetus of the Ayodhya rape survivor matched with that of SP leader Moeed Ahmad's employee Raju, a co-accused in the case, according to a report submitted by the Uttar Pradesh government to the Allahabad High Court on Monday.
Uttar Pradesh Police had on July 30 arrested bakery owner Ahmad along with Raju from the Pura Kalandar area of Ayodhya district in connection with the rape of a 12-year-old girl, who became pregnant and later had an abortion.
The Lucknow bench of the High Court had sought the DNA report of the foetus while hearing a bail plea of Ahmad.
According to the report furnished to the court, the DNA of Ahmad did not match the DNA of the foetus. It was also revealed that the DNA of Ahmad's servant Raju matched with the DNA of the foetus of the victim, lawyers said.
After taking the report on record, the bench of Justice Pankaj Bhatia set the next hearing on October 3.
Ahmad has pleaded that he is 71 years old and has been implicated in the present case for political reasons.
Opposing his bail plea, the state counsel said that the case is of a very serious nature and the victim is a minor.
Speaking in the UP Legislative Assembly on the incident, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath had claimed that the accused belonged to the Samajwadi Party.
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Caste census will form basis for future policy decision, says CM Siddaramaiah
Mysuru (Karnataka) (PTI): Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Wednesday said that the ongoing caste census would form the basis for future policy decisions, asserting that the exercise was crucial to advancing social justice in the state.
Addressing a gathering at the Siddarameshwara Jayanti celebrations here, he said caste enumeration was being carried out for the first time since 1931 and would be followed by deliberations once the report is submitted.
"At present, a caste census (Jaati Sameekshe) is underway. After the report comes, we will discuss it and take necessary decisions," Siddaramaiah said.
He underlined the government’s commitment to equality, stating, "We are committed to social justice. No one should face injustice. Even if not 100 per cent, we will strive to ensure 99 per cent justice."
Referring to measures aimed at addressing intra-caste disparities, the chief minister said the government had already implemented internal reservation based on revised classifications.
"We have gone beyond the Nagamohan Das report and implemented internal reservation… now it has been revised to 5.25 per cent, 5.25 per cent, and 4.5 per cent. This has been approved by the Cabinet," he said.
Siddaramaiah said the broader objective was to ensure equitable distribution of resources and opportunities, while reiterating that policy interventions would be guided by constitutional principles.
"Our objective is equal share and equal life for all," he said.
He also emphasised the role of education in eliminating inequalities, particularly among marginalised communities, and said empowerment was essential to dismantle entrenched caste hierarchies.
"Only when people gain such empowerment can caste divisions be eradicated. Education is essential for this," he added.
The CM said the government would examine demands raised by various communities and take decisions based on feasibility, while ensuring that benefits reached all sections without discrimination.
