Is Haryana a 'balatkar pradesh' or rape state of India?

New Delhi, Nov 3: The Congress government in

seriously needs to do something to protect womenfolk in the state. The recent rise in

cases against

in the state has shocked everyone in the country.

The National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) had expressed its concern over the issue on Friday, Nov 2. The Commission has dubbed Congress-ruled Haryana as a " balatkar pradesh" (rape state) of India.

The comment was made by NCSC chairman PL Punia in Odisha in regard to rise in rape cases against Dalit women in Haryana. He had also expressed his concern over spurt in crimes against Dalits in BJD-governed Odisha where a cabinet minister is booked on criminal charges for alleged casteist remarks.

Drawing a parallel between Odisha and Haryana, Punia said while 19 rapes were committed in a month in the northern state, there was over 18 per cent rise in crimes like rape, murder and arson against Dalits in this eastern state.

The NCSC chairman pointed out that criminal cases had been filed against Odisha's health and family welfare minister Damodor Rout. "A person facing criminal charges should not be in the ministry. However, it is the prerogative of the chief minister to decide who will be in his cabinet," Punia said.

Around 18 gang-rape cases have been reported from the state during October. In 2011, a total of 733 rape cases were registered in Haryana. In the first six months of this year, 367 rape cases were reported.

Several women groups have demanded strictest of action against the culprits to avoid rape cases in future.

Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda's government has come under scanner as police have failed to provide safety and security measures to women.

OneIndia News