A woman, who had accused Samajwadi Party MLA Arun Verma of raping her in 2013, was found dead near her house here, police said on Monday, adding that Mr. Verma has been booked on charges of murder.
Mr Verma is seeking re-election from Sultanpur and is considered close to Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav. However, Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav has said the case could be probed by any agency that the victim’s family wants.
An FIR has been registered against the MLA under Section 302 IPC (murder) on a complaint by the victim’s family, a senior officer said.
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The body of the 22-year-old woman, who has been missing since Saturday, was found on Sunday near a primary school in Jaisinghpur in Sultanpur, police said.
Awaiting report
Injury marks around her neck suggested prima facie that she was strangled to death, police said adding that the body has been sent for post mortem to ascertain the cause of death.
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The woman had alleged that the local MLA, who is seeking re—election on SP ticket from Sultanpur, and others had gangraped her in September 2013. The woman had later withdrawn her allegation even as some local youth were charged for the crime. The trial in the case is continuing.
Police is probing the death and going through call records of the woman.
Mr Verma meanwhile said he was prepared to face any probe. “It is a conspiracy against me, I am ready to face inquiry by any agency even CBI,” he said.
U.P. Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav, when asked to comment on the incident said it was condemnable. “This is not only unfortunate, but highly condemnable. The family should get justice. Government is ready to recommend a probe by any agency sought by the victim’s family,” he said in Badaun.