High Court takes note of media reports on Murthal rapes during Jat stir

Justice Sanghi of Punjab and Haryana High Court said the court cannot be a mute spectator.

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Chandigarh: The Punjab and Haryana High Court has taken cognizance of media reports about gang-rape of at least 10 women near Murthal in Haryana during the recent stir by Jat community for reservation.

Justice NK Sanghi of the HC has written to the acting chief justice seeking appropriate action. The Haryana Police has dismissed the media reports as mere rumours.

In his letter, Justice Sanghi wrote that reports of rapes during the protests was shameful and it was painful that senior police officials, instead of taking action, asked the victims to go home.

He further said that the High Court cannot be a mute spectator, otherwise it will fail in its duties.

The Hindustan Times reports that Justice Sanghi has stated that an independent probe was needed in this case.

English Daily 'The Tribune' had reported that vehicles were stopped by goons near Murthal in the wee hours of Monday. Women occupants were dragged to the fields and gang-raped.

The newspaper quoted eyewitnesses as saying that at least 10 women fell pray to them that night.