Take stern actions against culprits: Akhilesh to officials

He made the remark at a time when the state is witnessing rising rape cases in recent times.

Speaking to reporters after the  UP Investors Conclave, Yadav said: " I have directed my officials to reach the spot immediately after any incident occurs so that it is ensured that no politics is played. I have asked them to take stern action against culprits."

He said: "Every government will need to work on the law and order situation."

A 19-year-old girl was found hanging from a tree in Moradabad city of Uttar Pradesh, said reports on Thursday.

The incident took place in Thakur Dwara area of the city.

However, the police said there is no confirmation of rape yet.

This is the third such incident in the state.

A 45-year-old woman was found hanging from a tree in a village in Uttar Pradesh's Bahraich district on Wednesday, triggering suspicion she has been gang-raped and then hanged from the tree like two girls in Badaun in the recent past.

Bahraich Superintendent of Police Happy Guptan said an FIR has been registered and the body of the woman has been sent for post-mortem and only after it was completed could be known if she was raped before being killed.

The woman's son alleged she was raped and then hanged from the tree. He said five men are responsible.

"She has been raped first," said the son. 

Guptan said the post-mortem will be done by a panel of doctors.

Two weeks back two minor Dalit girls, both sisters in relation, were found hanging in a tree after their rape in Badaun. The incident sparked a massive protest against the ruling Samajwadi Party (SP) in UP led by Akhilesh Yadav.