Mayawati asks for CBI probe in Aarushi case

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati on Thursday reccomended a Central Bureau of Investigation inquiry in the sensational Aarushi murder case.

The 14-year old schoolgirl was killed along with the family's domestic help, Hemraj, in Noida on May 16. Her father, Rajesh Talwar is the key accused in the murder and currently is in police custody.

Addressing a press conference in Lucknow, Mayawati said "In view of the echoing demand by the grieved family members, which I learnt of through the media reports , we have decided to handover the case to the CBI." 

A letter to this effect is being sent to the central government on Thursday. 

"It was eveident from media reports that the Talwar family does not have any faith in the investigations by the UP police. I sympathise with the family and have no objection if it satisfies them that the probe is carried out by the CBI." Mayawati said

Without naming Union minister Renuka Choudhary, who criticised the UP police for making insinuations against the slain teenager, the UP CM termed the act as "highly unbecoming of the central government."   

Mayawati said, "The central government and particularly some Congress leaders appear to be playing petty politics without paying the desired heed to the seriousness and sensitivity of the issue."    

Referring to the CBI probe, Mayawti sought to point out, "Even as we are making a formal request to the central government, I am not sure whether they will accept our request for transfer of the case to the CBI."

Maya added, "In the past there have been several occasions where the centre has rejected our demand for a CBI probe in several other matters, Still, I would like to reassure the grieved family that even if the centre does not adhere to our request, we will  get it investigated by our cops and ensure that the guilty are brought to book."

The UP chief minister also praised the state police for the investigation so far.