Shame for civilized nation that women forced to do agni-pariksha: Activist writes to CJI Ramana after victim's self-immolation outside SC gates

Activist Yogita Bhayana has written to Chief Justice of India NV Ramana seeking a fresh investigation of rape charges against Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) Member of Parliament Atul Rai by a different agency..The letter was written in the context of the self-immolation by a rape victim and a witness that led to their unfortunate deaths in front of the gates of the apex court on August 16..Bhayana has requested that her representation be treated as a Public Interest Litigation (PIL). A transfer of the trial against Rai from Uttar Pradesh to Delhi was also sought..In her letter, the activist remarked that the whole nation hung its head in embarrassment because in a "civilized nation, even in 21st century women are forced to give “agni-pariksha” to prove their truthfulness.".The letter stated that the deceased victim accused MP Rai of rape, making pornographic images, and blackmailing her. The MP allegedly tried to take advantage of helping the victim gain momentum for her political career as a youth leader in Varanasi. After the assault, the victim filed a complaint against Rai, who remains in judicial custody..As per the representation, the victim had approached the Supreme Court and sought a transfer of the rape case to Delhi due to threats to her safety and apprehensions regarding an unfair trial."That the woman victim moved to this Hon’ble Court for seeking transfer of her rape case to Delhi as she was fearing threats to her life and limbs in UP and fair trial looked far-fetched to her.".It is explained that out of fear of non-bailable warrants issued against the victim in a counter case for the alleged use of a false date of birth in the rape case, the two poured diesel on themselves and set themselves on fire..Bhayana heads People Against Rape in India (PARI), an organization that seeks to support rape survivors and help them get justice against their assailants..Advocate-on-Record Alakh Alok Srivastava has also written to the Chief Justice of India urging the Supreme Court to take suo motu cognizance of the incident noting that, “While I completely disapprove of her drastic decision to set herself on fire, at the same time, I also strongly feel that the victim very much deserves to get JUSTICE even after her death, pursuant to a very unfortunate incident, which took place at the DOORSTEPS OF OUR HON’BLE SUPREME COURT OF INDIA.”