Haryana Horror: Sonia warns Khaps, meets rape victims

New Delhi, Oct 9: Congress President

visited Jind in

on Tuesday, Oct 9 in the wake of the rising number of

incidents in the state. Sonia met rape victims and their families and assured them to provide justice.

In the light of "ridiculous comments" given my members of Khaps to end rape incidents in Haryana, Sonia said Khap cannot decide law.

"Khap cannot decide law, it is in the hands of the judiciary," said Sonia.

Khap panchayats in the state have come out with a bizarre suggestion that the marriageable age limit should be abolished and girls should be married off as early as possible to decrease incidents of rape.

"Boys and girls should be married by the time they turn 16-year-old, so that they do not stray... this will decrease the incidents of rape," Sube Singh, a Khap representative, had said.

Haryana has been in the news for all the wrong reasons. The state has witnessed abnormal rise in number of rape cases in recent months. A total of 13 rape incidents have been reported in the state over the past one month. In fact, two incidents of rapes were reported, just ahead of Sonia's visit to the state.

While a minor was raped in Panipat, in Ambala, a widow was allegedly raped. The police have registered a case, however, no arrests have been made so far.

Congress president visited the family of a Dalit girl who committed suicide after she was gang-raped in Haryana's Jind district over the weekend.

Chief Minister of Haryana Bhupinder Singh Hooda and his government have been severely criticised for failing to provide security to the womenfolk of the state.

However, Sonia refused to comment on the Bhupinder Singh Hooda government. She said that rapes happen everywhere and are not restricted to Haryana alone. She adds that strict action will be taken.

Concerned over the incidents of rape, National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) has stepped into the matter. Members of NCPCR have sought an explanation from the state government in regard to administration's failure to put an end on rising crimes against women.

"Thirteen girls and women have been raped so far. There have been molestation charges. Our Commission will ask them what has been done in each case. Have all of the accused been arrested? What proceedings have been done?" NCPCR chairperson Shanta Sinha said.

"We feel that in Haryana, it is not the sole issue which is coming to limelight. You have seen the sex ratio as well. There has been only 830/1000 girls," she said.

She also stressed the need for a public awareness campaign in favour of girl children. "There should also be a fear amongst the ones who indulge in such activities. They should be punished so that the girls are safe," she said.

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