Try rape cases swiftly
The gangrape of a young woman working as a hospital intern in a moving bus in South Delhi by a savage gang of half-a-dozen men on Sunday evening left the nation in shock. Quite rightly, there was considerable perturbation in both Houses of Parliament on Tuesday. Once a city of some tranquillity, our capital is now truly one of India’s biggest danger zones for women.
This disturbing facet can overwhelm many positive aspects that the city possesses.
Delhi’s dubious distinction has not been acquired in a day. The crime graph against women has been rising all through the past decade and a half, and sexual crimes had galloped, with more than one reported daily, police statistics show. What is shocking and disgusting about the latest episode is the degree of brutality in the assault against the young woman and her male friend.
It is also a pity that Parliament, although it was deeply agitated, could do little more than recommend stiffer punishments for rape. That is somewhat missing the point. Our laws are strong enough. The weak point is in their implementation. Let the trials be fair but swift, and not subject to the usual delays. That strikes fear among criminals. A more visible police presence on the streets is vital: its plans to upgrade capabilities to quickly detect crime have remained on paper too long. These must be concretised and well publicised so that offenders fear being caught. Everything is far too lackadaisical now. The political authority too should look sharp.
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