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Delhi gangrape: Centre sets up inquiry panel to identify lapses, fix responsibility

Agencies

Posted: Dec 26, 2012 at 1458 hrs IST
MP Priya Dutt with other demonstrators walk in Mumbai during a protest against Delhi gangrape case. (PTI)

New Delhi The government today set up a Commission of Inquiry to identify lapses and fix responsibility in the gangrape of 23-year-old girl here, an issue that was discussed by the Union Cabinet with ministers expressing concern over the incident.

The one-person commission, to be headed by former Delhi High Court judge Usha Mehra, will also suggest measures to make Delhi and NCR safer for women.

It will submit within three months its report, which will be tabled in Parliament along with action taken by the government.

The decision was taken at the meeting which was briefed by Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde on the December 16 incident that shocked the nation and triggered widespread protests.

At the meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, several ministers expressed anguish at the incident and said the government should walk the extra mile to ensure recovery of the victim and instil a sense of safety among women.

While announcing the decision to set up the Commission, Finance Minister P Chidambaram appealed to public to "believe" that steps are being taken to find lasting solution to the "problem that has plagued all metropolitan cities."

The Commission will be in addition to the three-member Committee headed by former Chief Justice of India J S Verma which is to suggest amendments in law to provide for quicker trial and more stringent punishment in "aggravated sexual assault" cases amid demands for death penalty.

Sharing public anger over the brutal incident, Chidambaram said it was a "matter of shame" that the incident happened in Delhi and the Central government has special responsibility.

"It is a shame. As a man, I feel ashamed. All of you here in this room should also feel ashamed. Why do men behave like this? We acknowledge the public anger and recognise it," Chidambaram said at the press conference addressed jointly with Information and Broadcasting Minister Manish Tewari. "We are deeply anguished at what happened on December 16 in Delhi. I join all others in praying for the recovery of the victim," Chidambaram said, with Tewari echoing the sentiments.

Referring to the setting up of the Inquiry Commission and the Justice Verma Committee, the Finance Minister said the government has "serious intent" to address the broader issue of security of women in the country and provide for more stern punishment for such crimes.

"There are three parts to what we are doing," he said, while noting that the government was working on ensuring punishment to the guilty, find out what went wrong and amend laws dealing with crimes against women to provide for more stern penalty and faster trials.

He said courts also must help by fast-tracking such cases as there has been huge pendency.

Expressing gratitude to Delhi High Court Chief Justice D Murugesan for announcing setting up of fast-track courts from January three, the Finance Minister hoped other High Courts will also follow suit.

Replying to questions, Tewari refused to "concede" that the widespread protests, which even turned violent, reflected failure of the leadership. He said it was an emotive issue and the government had no problem with peaceful protests but there should have been no violence.

Chidambaram said the developments of last one week showed a "new phenomenon" of "flash mobs" resorting to protests and the government was not fully prepared to deal with such situations.

"Lessons have been learnt," said the former Home Minister, adding new standard operating procedures (SOPs) will need to be devised to deal with such situations.

To a question, Chidambaram said the changes in law that could take place in the future would not apply to the December 16 case as such amendments apply with prospective effect only.

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ALL BULL by ashwin on 27 Dec 2012

What about taking the rulers to task who have done nothing as far as reforms are concerned, yu sit with Acts from dark ages, fight in Parliament, tear Bills, show stacks of money, yu sit with criminal charges against you and all yu can think of is Probes and high level Committees of all shades and color.There is no hope for India, so simple!

INCREASING CRIME, LOW CONVICTION RATE, by JAGDIP H VAISHNAV on 26 Dec 2012

It is a good decision of govt of Maharashtra, however what is required to study that why crime rate is increasing & why conviction rate is decreasing. Conviction rate success depends upon appropriate investigation, statement of witnesses, professionally prepared charge sheet & prosecution with due diligence .If accused gets scot-free by the court, there has to be inquiry where were the lapses.,how to overcome lapses. I repeat, there has to be separate wings for investigation, preparation of charge sheet ,regular meetings of concerned police officials with public prosecutors. Police can not take care of safety of each individual since it is impracticable ,however lonely places, railway yard, standing unauthorized buildings which remains unused,etc be under surveillance. Similarly it is said if "in charge"' is disciplined ,there shall be meticulous patrolling in the entire area. CCTV networking in the city be made extensive, effective ,there has to be maintenance of CCTV, & software. Hotels, guest houses, lodge, should allot rooms after due identity, Similarly female members be requested to keep aloof from resort, hotel parties where drug, alcohol is served, should avoid accepting /asking for a 'lift" Public when notices that male / female is being targeted, if can not rescue at least start shouting so more people may come forward, ladies coming back from office early hours, or going late at night hours if keep some instrument which can serve the purpose of alarm bell in emergency can help a lot. Lastly ,primarily it is our own responsibility to take due precautions for out safety, & inform police when suspicious movements are noticed

INCREASING CRIME, LOW CONVICTION RATE, by JAGDIP H VAISHNAV on 26 Dec 2012

It is a good decision of govt of Maharashtra, however what is required to study that why crime rate is increasing & why conviction rate is decreasing. Conviction rate success depends upon appropriate investigation, statement of witnesses, professionally prepared charge sheet & prosecution with due diligence .If accused gets scot-free by the court, there has to be inquiry where were the lapses.,how to overcome lapses. I repeat, there has to be separate wings for investigation, preparation of charge sheet ,regular meetings of concerned police officials with public prosecutors. Police can not take care of safety of each individual since it is impracticable ,however lonely places, railway yard, standing unauthorized buildings which remains unused,etc be under surveillance. Similarly it is said if "in charge"' is disciplined ,there shall be meticulous patrolling in the entire area. CCTV networking in the city be made extensive, effective ,there has to be maintenance of CCTV, & software. Hotels, guest houses, lodge, should allot rooms after due identity, Similarly female members be requested to keep aloof from resort, hotel parties where drug, alcohol is served, should avoid accepting /asking for a 'lift" Public when notices that male / female is being targeted, if can not rescue at least start shouting so more people may come forward, ladies coming back from office early hours, or going late at night hours if keep some instrument which can serve the purpose of alarm bell in emergency can help a lot. Lastly ,primarily it is our own responsibility to take due precautions for out safety, & inform police when suspicious movements are noticed

Action against molestation of women by Sujit Roy on 26 Dec 2012

Commissions have been set up to find reason and fix accountability in Delhi Dec 16 gang rape case. Whereas this is a welcome step, wonder why it takes protest by thousands for initiating such action. It's not that such an incident has happened for the first time. However what about other cases (equally heinous if not more) where victims are still waiting for justice even after many years.

styamajayate- lies triumph by ananthan on 26 Dec 2012

MMS said prices will come down in 100 says, 1000 days passed, prices are up 200%-100%.9 gas cylinders before HP election, now all silence. Police man death by heart atatck or injury no one knows.RBI says India debt is 350 billion PC says 70 billion-our trade deficit is 4-10 billions all months.Lies triumph in India.Satya me jayate is a slogan.Next wave is promised 9 cylinder .

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