Delhi Rape: SC says excesses against protesters an 'insult'

New Delhi, April 25:

on Thursday (April 25) questioned use of force by police against protesters. The apex court took strong exception to a police officer slapping a young girl during a recent protest against

of a minor in the national capital.

The Supreme Court sought explanation from the Delhi Police chief on the incident.

A bench headed by Justice G S Singhvi directed the Police Commissioner to file an affidavit to explain why a young girl was beaten up during the protest against the rape of five-year-old in New Delhi.

The court has also condemned the Uttar Pradesh government and has asked it to file an affidavit explaining why a woman in her 60s was beaten up by policemen in Aligarh last week during protests over the rape and death of a six-year-old.

Both assaults were caught on camera and broadcast on news channels. The judges described them as "insult to the country."

Expressing their shock and anger over the UP attack, the judges asked the state government, "How do you treat women in your state?" "Even an animal won't do what the police officers are doing every day in different parts of the country," the bench said and added "Is your (UP) government left without shame?"

The court, while slamming the state government, also recalled the resignation by Lal Bahadur Shastri from the post of the Railway Minister taking moral responsibility following a railway accident.

"Where has your sense gone?" the bench said, adding, "How can police officers beat an unarmed lady?"

The court made the observations with regard to a recent protest at a Delhi hospital during which an ACP slapped a young girl at least four times. The ACP was later suspended.

The second incident which the bench took note of was reported from Aligarh where an elderly woman was assaulted by the police during a protest against the alleged rape and murder of a six-year-old girl.

OneIndia News