CBI submits FBI report in Bhanwari Devi case

The Central Bureau of Investigation on Thursday submitted in a local court an Federal Bureau of Investigation report confirming that the bones recovered from a canal near Jaloda village belonged to Bhanwari Devi, and claimed that this was 'concrete evidence' that she was murdered by the Bishna Ram Bishnoi gang.

It also sought permission from the court to bring all the four members of the gang, including accused Kailash Jakhar who had escaped from court custody amid a shootout, in hand-cuffs in the court during hearing.

The court has, however, is yet to decide upon this plea. Jakhar, who had escaped from the court premises on June 14, was rearrested three days ago and is currently in police custody.

Meanwhile, trial of the Bhanwari Devi case was on Thursday adjourned to July 21 due to absence of Jakhar in the court. Magistrate of the ACJM (SC/ST Cases) court, Anoop Kumar Saxena said Jakhar was still absconding from this court and until he is produced back in this court, the trail cannot be allowed to start.

Mahipal Maderna, Bishna Ram Bishnoi and Om Prakash Bishnoi were also absent from the court.

Maderna remained absent on health grounds whereas Bishna Ram and Om Prakash are in police custody after they were picked up from Jodhpur Jail on production warrant.

The counsel of Paras Ram Bishnoi pleaded the court to expedite the trial as Jakhar had already been arrested and remanded to police custody by some other court, but Saxena  did not accept the plea.