Mayawati orders release of Banda rape victim

LUCKNOW - Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati Saturday announced the release from jail of a 17-year-old rape victim who had been implicated in a theft case by a ruling Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) MLA from Banda.

Mayawati made the announcement soon after her 55th birthday celebrations here.

The girl was implicated in a false case of theft by BSP legislator Purushottam Naresh Dwivedi and jailed. The release follows a report by the state Criminal Investigation Department, confirming she was implicated in the case.

Dwivedi was arrested three days ago on rape charges.