Probe in rape case against cops begins

VILLUPURAM: A day after four girls of the Irula community alleged rape by cops, a magisterial inquiry into the case began on Sunday.Pennagaram MLA N Nanjappan and Thirukovilur MLA L Venkatesan also met the victims on Sunday.The girls reportedly told the MLAs that the police kept them in the SP office throughout the night and threatened them, asking them to deny the allegations.  The girls also told the MLAs that the cops had videographed their statements made out of police compulsion, sources said. They were reportedly dropped off at their house only on Sunday. Following his interaction with the victims and their kin, Nanjappan said, “The girls were not admitted to a hospital for medical check-up even after a police complaint was filed. I suspect some plots have been carried out to divert the case. Moreover, police should not keep girls in the station during night. But these girls were kept... The probe should be transferred to the CBI.” Venkatesan said, “I am feeling bad that the incident happened in Vijayakant’s constituency. I will convey all the information to Vijayakant and he will announce our next course of action.”