The bodies of two Dalit girls, aged 13 and 16, were found in the family’s camp in Unnao district on Wednesday night, along with a 17-year-old girl in serious condition. The older girls were sisters, and the 13-year-old was their cousin.
Police said they suspected it was a case of poisoning, with no signs of fighting at the scene and no prima facie wound marks on the girls. The girls’ brother claimed that they had been found with their hands and feet tied. While the younger girls were pronounced dead upon arrival at the hospital, the 17-year-old remains critical.
Speaking to reporters, the brother said: “They had gone to the farm to gather grass. Today they were delayed in their return, so we went looking for them. We found them tied up, with clothes like their chunni ”.
IG (Lucknow Range) Laxmi Singh said they had yet to confirm whether the girls were tied up. “The brother has given a statement saying this, but we cannot say anything because the bodies were removed before the police arrived at the scene,” Singh said.
UP ADG (Law and Order) Prashant Kumar said the girls had left their home on Wednesday around 3 pm and were found by family members at night.
Unnao SP Sureshrao A Kulkarni said: “Under the confines of the Asoha Police Station, three girls were found unconscious on their own farm. They were sent to the hospital. Prima facie, it has come to light that they had gone to look for fodder and when the relatives went to look for them, they found them lying in the field. A white substance was coming out of their mouths and doctors said there were symptoms of poisoning. We are recording statements from everyone involved and an in-depth investigation is underway. Necessary measures are being taken. “
ADG (Lucknow Area) SN Sabat said there were no signs of violence or fighting at the crime scene. “Our probe is on. We are looking at all possible angles, “said the ADG.
In a statement, Unnao police said senior officers had rushed to the site for further investigations.
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