Jaipur: Protests have persisted in Beawar district, Rajasthan, for the past 36 days regarding an alleged rape and blackmail case. In response, the Sarva Hindu Samaj Sangharsh Samiti organized a complete bandh on Saturday, leading traders to close their shops in solidarity, while police increased their presence to ensure order.
A rally held by the Hindu Sangharsh Samiti included calls for the case to be transferred to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). In light of growing demands, Ajmer Range Director Inspector General, Om Prakash, has reassigned leadership of the Special Investigation Team (SIT), appointing IPS Abhishek Andasu, a cybercrime specialist and IIT Bombay alumnus, as the new in-charge.
Previously, the investigation was led by Additional Superintendent of Police (SP) Abhay Command Nem Singh. Andasu’s team, which consists of officials from various police departments, is already on the case, which has seen the arrest of 16 individuals—including five minors. Currently, 11 accused are in jail, while the minors have been placed in a juvenile correction facility.
In a media briefing, IPS Andasu assured that the investigation would be comprehensive and any procedural shortcomings would be addressed. The district administration remains vigilant amid ongoing protests, which began when the case was filed at the Bijainagar police station on February 15. The accused were taken to court on February 18, where tensions escalated, resulting in altercations as lawyers confronted the suspects surrounded by police.