The CBI has reportedly sent samples of some evidence recovered from lime kilns located near Jodhpur for forensic examination in connection with its probe related to Bhanwari Devi case. The agency, sources said, may collect DNA samples from family members of the 36-year-old folk singer for further testing.
According to sources the agency officials recently visited some lime kilns near Jodhpur and collected some evidence. “The evidence collected from the lime kilns have now been sent for forensic examination. The agency officials also recorded the statements of some labourers working in these lime kilns. Their statements are being further verified,” sources said. Officials probing the case suspect that Devi’s body might have been disposed off in a lime kiln after the murder.
Sources, however, refused to divulge the details about the evidence collected from the kilns. The agency officials may collect DNA samples from family members of Devi for further testing, sources said. The agency is also planning to record the statement of Shahbuddin, a prime suspect in the case, again, sources added. Shahbuddin, recently told CBI officials that Devi was murdered after her abduction. “The agency officials have also sent hair strands, recovered from a Bolero jeep, which was allegedly used to kidnap Devi, for forensic examination. Other evidence collected from inside the jeep include, small pieces of cloth, a locket and a pair of shoes,” sources said.
The 36-year-old folk singer has been missing since September 1 and her family suspects that she has been murdered. The Rajasthan police had earlier arrested a contractor, Sohan Lal Vishnoi, to whom Bhanwari Devi had reportedly sold her vehicle.