Immolation victim’s death: state govt comes under fire

Thursday, 11/12/2014

http://paper.hindustantimes.com/epaper/viewer.aspx

LUDHIANA: Amid pleas by the family seeking justice for their 16-year-old daughter, who died after struggling for life for five days after being set ablaze, political parties and other organisations have launched a scathing attack on the deteriorating law and order situation in Ludhiana.

These organisations alleged that in case the police had taken action on the complaint of the family that the victim was being threatened of dire consequences by the accused, the tragedy could have been averted.

The victim, who was a student of Class 12, was allegedly abducted by some men on October 25, and later released. Though she had claimed that she was raped by these men, the police had registered only a case of attempt to rape against the accused. On December 4, the accused, who were out on bail, allegedly set the girl ablaze; she succumbed to her injuries at a Chandigarh hospital on December 9.

Opposition Congress’ spokesperson Sukhpal Singh Khaira claimed that while deputy chief minister Sukhbir Singh Badal was busy watching Kabaddi matches, along with actresses, “daughters of poor people were being raped in Ludhiana”.

He said the rape and burning of a girl was a major issue that should get immediate attention of the state government. “I will soon take up the matter with Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee chief Partap Singh Bajwa, who will then chalk out a strategy and schedule of protests to rock the state government,” Khaira added.

Suspension of some police personnel in the matter was not justified, and deputy chief minister as well as director general of police should immediately resign, Khaira demanded.

On the other hand, various organisations held a protest at the mini- secretariat on Wednesday. These comprised Punjab Students Union (Lalkar); Nojavan Bharat Sabha; Karkhana Mazdoor Union; and Textile Hosiery Kamgar Union.

Seeking safety of women in the city, the organisations demanded that the case be heard in a fast track court, the victim’s medical expenses be reimbursed to her family and strict action be taken against police officials that booked the accused under mild charges despite a complaint by the victim’s family.

Rajwinder, president of Textile Hosiery Kamgar Union, said only strict action against the accused and police officials, who delayed action, could set an example for others.