DNA Sample Match Spells More Trouble For Ex-SP Leader Nawab Singh Yadav in Kannauj Rape Case

The Uttar Pradesh Police on Monday confirmed the DNA sample of former Samajwadi Party (SP) leader Nawab Singh Yadav has matched with the 15-year-old rape survivor.

Kannauj Superintendent of Police (SP) Amit Kumar Anand said the forensic report, received after 16 days, confirms the occurrence of rape. “Forensic evidence was collected from the crime scene and sent to the FSL. The FSL report has confirmed the occurrence of rape. Further investigation is being conducted by the Kannauj police,” stated Amit Kumar Anand at a press conference.

Yadav was accused of raping the minor on the pretext of offering her a job on the intervening night of August 11 and August 12, when the girl’s aunt took her to his private educational institution in Kanauj district. The aunt has also been arrested.

Yadav was arrested following a complaint of rape lodged by the minor. The police had received a call on the 112 helpline around 1:30 AM, reporting the incident. The minor alleged that she had been stripped and that an assault attempt had been made on her. “The girl was rescued and Yadav was arrested in an objectionable condition. During questioning, the girl said that she arrived at the residence of Yadav along with her paternal aunt. She was told that she had to be there for a job…Case was registered under sections of BNS and POCSO Act,” Amit Kumar Anand had told news agency ANI.

During the court hearing, Yadav agreed to provide his DNA sample when requested by the judge, according to Kamlesh Kumar, the Circle Officer (CO) of Kannauj Sadar. The sample was collected on August 16 by a team of doctors at the district jail, a police officer confirmed.

Meanwhile, the police are actively searching for Neelu Yadav, Yadav’s brother, and have announced a reward of Rs 25,000 for information leading to his arrest. Neelu is accused of interfering with the investigation by pressuring the aunt to change her statement in favour of Yadav in exchange for money.

“Police are searching for Neelu Yadav,” Anand had said last week.

The incident had escalated into a political controversy, with the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) criticising the Samajwadi Party (SP) and highlighting Yadav’s association with it. The SP has, however, distanced itself from Yadav, stating he was not a member and had been involved in “anti-party activities” for years.

(With inputs from agencies)