Mahila Congress seeks fresh probe into Hathras case, cites revelations in new document

All India Mahila Congress President Alka Lamba. | Photo credit: ANI

The All India Mahila Congress (AIMC) on Thursday (demanded the reopening of the inquiry into the 2020 Hathras rape and death case, citing revelations in the recently released documentary Hathras 16 Days, which it claimed exposed “systemic failures” and an alleged cover-up by the Uttar Pradesh administration and police.

AIMC president Alka Lamba said at a press conference that the document raised “serious and disturbing questions” about the conduct of the police, the district administration and the state government during the investigation.

Referring to the case, Ms. Lamba said the Dalit victim was assaulted on September 14, 2020 and died at Safdarjung Hospital in Delhi on September 29. She reiterated allegations that the victim’s body was cremated by the authorities in the early hours of September 30 without the consent or presence of her family.

‘Evidence Revealed’

“The document shows that evidence was not collected for eight days. The victim was bathed and cleaned before the medical examination,” Ms Lamba said, claiming vital forensic evidence had been compromised.

She further claimed that the document contained statements from a gynecologist and a former senior police officer indicating delays and deficiencies in the collection of evidence. “The gynecologist believed there was a sexual assault, but her statement and the victim’s dying declaration were not presented to the court, which weakened the case,” she said.

Referring to remarks attributed to former Uttar Pradesh ADGP (Law and Order) Prashant Kumar in the document, Ms Lamba said it suggested that an early medical examination and preservation of evidence could strengthen the prosecution.

Questioning the circumstances surrounding the cremation, the Congress leader asked, “On whose orders and under whose pressure was the victim’s body doused with petrol in the presence of senior officials?”

Take action: Lamba

Claiming that three of the four accused were acquitted due to a weakened investigation, Ms Lamba demanded action against officials allegedly responsible for the delays and mishandling of evidence.

“The victim’s system has failed,” she said, adding that the victim’s family continued to live “in fear and under pressure” and deserved safety, compensation and promised job support. She also accused the BJP government of failing to curb crimes against women in Uttar Pradesh.

Published – 21 May 2026 20:35 IST