After interrogating the rape victim and two of the accused, the police has found many loopholes, inconsistencies and discrepancies in her statement. Luvy Gidwani, who allegedly offered lift to the victim in his car, has been in Canada since January 2.
The police has also not found any evidence of the presence of the other two detained accused at Park Street on the night of February 5 when the crime is supposed to have been committed. The incident, especially its wide coverage in the media particularly on local television channels, angered the government. Chief minister Mamata Banerjee said that the entire drama was fabricated to tarnish her government’s image. “Investigation is on and the truth will emerge soon,” she added.
In the afternoon, joint commissioner of police (crime) Damyanti Sen addressed the media at the police headquarters. In the evening, Kolkata police commissioner Ranjit Pachnanda also held a news conference and promised an impartial and expeditious investigation. “There has been criticism of the police and the government which is not correct. The Kolkata police is always with the people and we assure you of an impartial and expeditious investigation,” he added. Mr Pachnanda rejected the charge that the police’s response was not quick. “There was no inaction or delay on the part of the police,” he claimed.
Echoing the chief minister, the city police chief also promised that truth would definitely be unearthed. Mr Pachnanda ordered an inquiry into the allegation of misbehaviour with the victim by some police personnel of the Park Street police station. The probe would be conducted by the joint commissioner (traffic). “Action will be taken against any one found guilty,” he assured.