CBI to take over probe in Bhanwari Devi missing case

The CBI will soon take over probe in the mysterious disappearance case of nurse Bhanwari Devi in Rajasthan in which allegations of a state cabinet minister's involvement have been levelled.

The request for handing over the case had come from the Rajasthan government last month. The Department of Personnel and Training today issued notification in this regard, CBI sources said in Delhi.

Devi, 36, who was posted as auxiliary nurse midwife at a sub-centre in Jaliwada village, around 120km from Jodhpur district, went missing on September 1. Her husband Amarchand has alleged that she was abducted at the behest of Water Resources Minister Mahipal Maderna and his associates. These charges have been refuted by them.

Bhanwari last registered her presence at the sub-centre on August 24 and was absent after that. Locals say she led a lavish lifestyle and had political connections.

Her name had sprung up sometime back after a CD which allegedly showed her in compromising position with the minister and an MLA was circulated.

Jodhpur police has already announced a cash reward of Rs4,000 for any information regarding Bhanwari. The police arrested a contractor Sohana Lal Vishnoi soon after she went missing.

The woman had sold her car to Vishnoi and was on her way to collect payment from him in Bilada on September 1 when she disappeared. A few persons were also rounded up from Sikar district who told police that the woman was murdered by a gang in Uttar Pradesh.

Bhanwari, mother of two girls and a son, has also worked in a few local music video albums and was actively involved with the Congress party.