Zeenews Bureau
New Delhi: Amidst massive protests in the capital city to demand justice for the Delhi gang-rape victim, Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde on Saturday requested the protesters to keep faith in the judicial system and assured all type of assistance to the victim.
“The government is extremely concerned about the gang-rape case and is also committed to ensure the safety of women in Delhi and across the country,” the Home Minister said.
Shinde added, “All six accused have been arrested and the government is requesting the courts for speedy trial through fast-track courts. Also a day-to-day update would be asked for."
Disclosing the series of steps being taken by the government after the barbaric incident, Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde said that five policemen have been suspended for negligence in the rape incident.
After a meeting with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Shinde said the government will set up a Commission of Inquiry under the Commissions of Inquiry Act, 1952 to review responses to the shocking crime and to suggest measures to improve the safety and security of women in the capital.
Shinde further said, “The victim is being provided the best medical care. Government will do whatever is necessary for her recovery. Her condition is being monitored very closely. She has given a statement about the crime to an Executive Magistrate last night.”
While showing concern over the public ire the Home Minister said, “Government shares the widespread concern and support that has been expressed throughout society for the girl who has so suffered. Government also respects the right of legitimate protest. At the same time, there is need to exercise calm at this juncture and for everyone to work together to improve the safety and security environment. On its part, Government is committed to ensuring the safety of women in the capital as well as in the rest of the country.”
While putting forward a number of steps that Delhi Police have recently taken, Sushilkumar Shinde narrated some of them as follows:
The public transport system has been improved by increasing the number of buses at night.
GPS on all public transport vehicles has been installed to ensure that they do not stray from their scheduled routes.
Ensuring that all personnel deployed on public transport carry identification badges and are verified.
Proactive and enhanced patrolling by police vans/motor cycles along routes taken by families and women returning late at night from entertainment hubs and work places.
Shinde also announced some steps to curb such heinous crime
To ensure a strong law to deal with crimes of this nature, Government will take immediate steps for the amendment of the Criminal Law for enhanced and more effective punishment in the rarest of the rare cases of sexual assault such as this.
Government will set up a Commission of Inquiry under the Commissions of Inquiry Act 1952 to review responses to this shocking crime and to suggest measures to improve the safety and security of women in the capital.
Earlier in the evening, Congress President Sonia Gandhi
had talked to the Prime Minister and the Home Minister and sought appropriate action against criminals involved in the incident and ensure steps to enhanced security of women.
First Published: Saturday, December 22, 2012, 20:42