[Hpdovoxm]

A CID probe would be conducted in the alleged gang rape case of a minor girl in Jalna district, Maharashtra home minister RR Patil informed the legislative council today.

Patil's assurance came after Congress MLC Rajan Teli alleged that Rukhsana from Hatadi village was gang-raped by the police patil and sarpanch (village chief).

However, the police tried to destroy evidence by cremating the girl who belonged to the Muslim community, Teli said.

"We would conduct a CID probe in the matter. The CID would also check if it was negligence by police. We will take stern action against those found guilty," Patil informed the legislative council.

In a written reply on the issue, the minister had said the girl's parents told the police that she died due to snake bite.

"Her relatives did not complain or report about the rape," the reply said.

Patil said there was no mention of rape in police investigations.

Congress MLC Husain Dalwai objected to the written answer and said it was a deliberate attempt to destroy evidence. Dalwai alleged that parents of the girl were pressurised for keeping quiet.

He also displayed ashes and some photographs of the girl to the House, saying there was something suspicious in the entire incident.

"Its not a question of a Hindu or Muslim being victimised but they are poor people. When the parents went to complain about the two suspects, police threatened them to put behind bars," Dalwai said.