Some key accused in the Bhanwari Devi case are likely to turn approver. Sources in the CBI on Wednesday maintained that the move will further strengthen the case against the alleged mastermind of Bhanwari’s abduction and murder.
Sources in the agency said, “Amarchand, husband of Bhanwari Devi, is likely to turn an approver in the case. Besides, two more accused — Sohan Lal and Kailash Jakhar — are likely to turn approver in the case.”
Farooq, driver of Bhanwari, has already turned a prosecution witness in the case. The CBI officials recently recorded his statement under Section 164 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC), which will be considered as evidence in the court of law, sources said. Amarchand, arrested for his alleged non-cooperation and suspected role in the conspiracy, is now willing to turn an approver, sources added. However, Omprakash, a suspect in the case, on Wednesday refused to get his statement recorded under Section 164 of the CrPC before a local court in Jodhpur. He has been sent to judicial custody till January 16.
The agency’s probe has revealed that both former Rajasthan minister Mahipal Maderna and former Congress MLA Malkhan Singh allegedly masterminded Bhanwari’s killing.
The agency is now planning to question Mr Maderna in the presence of Sohan Lal, Kailash Jakhar and Amrachand.
“The agency is also planning to question former Congress MLA Malkhan Singh, arrested by the agency on December 19, in the presence of Amarchand and Sohan Lal. The agency also wants to question Malkhan, in the presence of his sister Indira Bishnoi, who is absconding. Indira Bishnoi knows about the conspiracy behind Bhanwari’s abduction and suspected murder,” sources said.