Jaipur:
The police forces of two states - Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh - are now hunting for a senior officer from Rajasthan who has been missing for 13 years. He went underground when he was accused of repeatedly raping his security guard's wife.
What's worrying many in Rajasthan is that the victim and her husband, both from the Meena tribe, have disappeared. They were seen on Tuesday sharing their story with the media, guided by the MP from Dausa, Kirori Lal Meena. As a leader of Meena tribals, he has taken on the role of their crusader.
Kirori Lal was sent to jail for leading a protest outside the house of Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot. Kirori Lal has been demanding that Gehlot and his government locate Madhukar Tandon, the police officer accused of rape.
As news spread that the victim and her husband were nowhere to be seen, gigantic protests began and soon the National Highway between Agra and Jaipur was blocked. Tourists and commuters were stranded for hours. The protestors also asked that Kirori Lal be released from prison immediately.
"It's a very serious matter that this man has been missing for more than a decade. We will find out who helped him and punish them," Shanti Dhawal, Rajasthan's Home Minister, promised.
While the case has become a political flashpoint, what is capturing public attention and imagination is the fact that the police officer reported missing has, after disappearing, managed to sell property in Noida, where he was stationed when he allegedly committed the crime.