Reports of An Imposter Bhabhi Emerge In Hathras Gang Rape Probe. Here's What You Need to Know

A new twist has emerged in the investigation of the brutal Hathras gang rape case. A woman purportedly the bhabhi or sister-in-law of the survivor is at the centre of the probe by the Special Investigative Team (SIT).  Police claims this woman with suspected naxal connections, was masquerading as the late Hathras gangrape survivor’s bhabhi or sister-in-law. Reportedly, the woman stayed with the late survivor’s family for several days between September 16 and September 22. The police is on the hunt for the woman.

As per news18 report a Fake Bhabhi of Hathras Victim was planted to manage the statements of family.

The Fake Bhabhi is a Naxalite and police is in search for her. pic.twitter.com/tRNbIyhPDu

— Ankur Singh (@iAnkurSingh) October 10, 2020

An Update on the Case

• The Special Investigative Team’s (SIT)  is probing the Hathras gang rape case
• CBI has also been asked to investigate.
• The early investigation has reportedly revealed that a woman with Naxal connections was allegedly masquerading as the late Hathras gangrape survivor’s bhabhi or sister-in-law, adding new angle to the case.
• Allegedly, the Hathras survivor’s real sister-in-law was constantly in touch with the alleged imposter Naxalite bhabhi. 
• The SIT is investigating whether the imposter intimidated or bribed the survivor’s family into telling everyone that she was the real sister-in-law of the late survivor.
• Previously, a video (whose authenticity is still being ascertained) featuring a woman who identified herself as the ‘bhabhi’ of the Hathras rape survivor issuing rape threats to members of the Kshatriya community went viral on social media. 

Also Read: Why Markandey Katju’s Post On Hathras Gangrape Demands Outrage

Imposter Naxalite Bhabhi Emerges In Hathras Case

As per a News18 report, the Hathras survivor’s real sister-in-law was constantly in touch with the alleged imposter Naxalite bhabhi. Furthermore, the SIT is investigating whether the imposter intimidated or bribed the survivor’s family into telling everyone that she was the real sister-in-law of the late survivor. It is also probing if the woman brainwashed the family into believing that the administration or other communities would make their lives difficult.

According to the SIT, constituted by the Yogi Adityanath government, the alleged Naxalite woman is from Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh. Reports say she used to speak to the media wearing a veil and reached the village two days after the gangrape incident. The woman’s real identity came to the fore when the investigators probing the case perused the call records of the late survivor’s real sister-in-law.

Also Read: Protests Continue In Several Cities Over Hathras Gangrape

‘Bhabhi’ In Viral Video Comes Under The Scanner

Previously, a video featuring a woman who identified herself as the ‘bhabhi’ of the Hathras rape survivor issuing rape threats to members of the Kshatriya community went viral on social media. In an interview, she said, “Bring their 2-4 girls and make them stay with 6 of our men here. I will intervene on behalf of the panchayat and give my verdict immediately. What they have done to the girl, the same must happen to them. Leave your daughters here and see…”

The woman went on to say, “We were not able to see her dead body. We will make the Thakurs pay the price by doing the same to their girls.” However, it has not yet been confirmed whether the woman who issued rape threats to Kshatriya women was the Hathras survivor’s real bhabhi who was in touch with the Naxalite or the imposter Naxalite woman.

With the emergence of this report, the SIT will also probe the possibility of a larger conspiracy of anti-social elements using the gangrape incident to create communal tension.