Bandh against gang-rape in Chhattisgarh capital

Raipur, Aug 16 (UNI) Shops and business establishments in Chhattisgarh capital remained closed today during a bandh against deteriorating law and order situation following sudden spurt in crimes, including gang-rape and murders.

The call for bandh, given by the Citizens Forum and supported by various organisations like the Chhattisgarh Chamber of Commerce and Industry and opposition Congress, evoked mixed response with educational institutions and other establishments remaining closed.

Members of the Nagarik Manch took out a rally in the state capital and forced many schools, including the Kendriya Vidayala, to delcare a holiday. A group of people forced their entry into the central school at WRS Colony and threatened the principal asking to declare a holiday.

State Youth Congress President Yogesh Tiwari told UNI that police patrolling was not ''visible'' anywhere in the state capital, resulting in spurt in crimes.

He said a newly-wed woman was gang-raped in front of her husband at the city outskirts while they were returning to Bhilai. He said initially four accused looted cash and other valuables from the couple and later gang-raped the woman.

Alleging that regular patrolling was not being carried out as the police was busy in activities such as ''Operation Laila-Majnu'' to harass young lovers sitting in parks and other public places and checking of documents of two-wheelers, Mr Tiwari said anti-socials and rowdy elements were ruling the roost in the city.

CCCI also condemned the gang-rape incident saying it had raised serious questions over the law and order situation.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Dr Raman Singh told reporters that the incident of gang rape was 'unfortunate' but all four accused involved in the crime were promptly arrested. He said the police had been asked to intensify partolling and to take action against criminal elements and anti-socials.

UNI