DU student gang rape survivor’s father breaks down, seeks strict action

Lucknow: The father of the 19-year-old Delhi University student from Jaunpur, a gang rape survivor, recorded his statement before police and broke down while recounting the ordeal faced by his daughter.Insisting she suffered a heinous crime, he appealed for strict action against the accused.According to police sources, the victim’s father reiterated all allegations previously mentioned in the First Information Report (FIR) and demanded justice for his only daughter. During questioning, he reportedly stated that his family was devastated by the incident.Police are yet to arrest the two accused, identified as Shivam Yadav and Sunny Yadav.According to the FIR, the 19-year-old student was travelling from Jaunpur to Delhi when Shivam Yadav, an acquaintance, allegedly persuaded her to get off the train at Lucknow. The complainant alleged that Shivam, along with Sunny, subsequently took her to a rented flat where she was allegedly given a cold coffee laced with intoxicating substances and repeatedly sexually assaulted.Meanwhile, police also picked up two youths from Jaunpur who had allegedly been living with Shivam and Sunny in Lucknow for questioning.During interrogation, the two reportedly claimed that Sunny was innocent and stated that the survivor frequently visited Shivam. They further told investigators that Sunny referred to the girl as “Didi”.Police officials said the statements of the two youths were being verified, and the call detail records (CDRs) of the accused and others linked to the case were being scrutinised as part of the investigation. Officials added that the two youths would be let off after completion of preliminary questioning and verification.As efforts to trace the accused intensified, Lucknow Police announced a reward of Rs 25,000 each for information leading to the arrest of Shivam and Sunny.Police said multiple teams have been formed and raids are being conducted at suspected hideouts in various locations across Uttar Pradesh and Delhi.