The Uttar Pradesh Urban Development Minister yesterday said here that witnesses turning hostile in such cases should be treated at par with the guilty and should be tried by law.

He said police should expeditiously file chargesheets in such cases to enable trials to be completed within a month.

Khan, who was on his way to Varanasi to attend a marriage, said here that lengthy trial in such cases at times could discourage victims from pursuing the case to its completion.

Khan said speedy trials in rape cases ending in quick closure would mean justice for the victims.

Khan also talked about pollution of Varuna river, a tributary of the Ganges and said there are plans to start a beautification drive to clean up the river.

Asserting that conservation of Varuna would serve the mission of saving the Ganges, Khan said that land to an extent of one kilometer on banks of the tributary river would be cleared and beautified.

He said work would soon begin on the sewage treatment plant in the city's Sathwa area and waste from all 37 drains which opened into the Varuna would be treated.

Khan said UP government at present was focused on the ongoing Maha Kumbh Mela and would take up developmental projects only upon conclusion of the pilgrimage in Allahabad.

He said that urban development funds had also been diverted towards making arrangements for Kumbh Mela and added that although the Centre had promised Rs 500 crore for the event it was yet to make good on its offer.