The Hindu : National : AIDWA seeks Patil's help to protect rape victim

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Feb 15, 2006

National

National

AIDWA seeks Patil's help to protect rape victim

Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI: A delegation of the All-India Democratic Women's Association (AIDWA) on Tuesday met Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil to seek his intervention to protect a tribal woman, Kamla Bai, from police. They have been reportedly harassing her for pursuing a case against those who allegedly assaulted her sexually.

The delegation demanded action against the policemen who failed to give her justice.

The incident took place in Madhya Pradesh. The victim was sexually assaulted and her hand chopped off.

The delegation, led by AIDWA president Brinda Karat, apprised him of the "failure" of the Madhya Pradesh Government in bringing the culprit to book and ensuring justice to the victim. On the contrary, the police had been conniving to protect the accused.

Patil's assurance

According to a statement issued by the delegation, the Minister responded sympathetically and assured the victim of protection and support from the State. He asked the Madhya Pradesh Government to submit the details of the case and action taken on the complaints within a week. The victim was given Rs. 10,000 as immediate relief.

The delegation reminded the Home Minister of the Centre's constitutional obligation to protect the life and dignity of the tribals . "No proper investigation was done at the scene of the crime. In a travesty of justice, and aiming to traumatise and intimidate the victim and her family, the husband was arrested, and was tortured by the police and forced to sign some papers," a memorandum submitted to the Minister said.

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