Mamata terms 'forceful' cremation of Hathras gang-rape victim as 'shameful'

Terming Hathras gang-rape incident as "barbaric and shameful", West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday said "forceful cremation" of victim has exposed those who use lofty promise and slogans to seek votes.

A 19-year-old Dalit woman was raped in Hathras in BJP-ruled Uttar Presh by four men on September 14. After her condition deteriorated, she was referred to Delhi's Safdarjung hospital where she bread her last on Tuesday.

"Have words to condemn barbaric & shameful incident at Hathras involving a young Dalit girl. My deepest condolences to family. More shameful is forceful cremation without family's presence or consent, exposing those who use slogans & lofty promises for votes." Banerjee said on Twitter.

body of woman was cremated in Hathras in early hours of Wednesday, with her family alleging that local police forced m to conduct last rites in de of night.

Local police officers, however, said that cremation was carried out "as per wishes of family".