Jaipur: Rajasthan has framed an action plan to handle with sensitivity incidents of atrocities on women and speedily dispose of these cases, thanks to Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot.
The chief minister has issued strict instructions against any slackness at all levels in cases involving women, officials said.
According to Gehlot, the Prevention of Atrocities Against Women Act will soon be implemented in the state.
The Rajasthan government is more alert after the Dec 16 gang-rape of a young woman in a Delhi bus caused nationwide outrage. The 23-year-old died 13 days later in Singapore.
Gehlot has described violence against women as shameful and said such acts would be prevented in the state with a strict hand.
The action plan, prepared on the chief minister’s instructions, will make it easier for women who face violence to get speedy justice.
The plan will ensure immediate registration of FIR as well as medical examination of victims, investigation by senior officers, issue of challan in 15 days, recording the victim’s statement at her residence or place of her choice, establishing special cells at various levels to prevent sexual crimes against women besides in-camera trial.
Rajasthan’s Director General of Police Harish Chand Meena has instructed all officers to embrace the action plan.
A case will be registered immediately on receiving information about any gang-rape. Within 24 hours, a senior official will go to the site to conduct an investigation.
Investigation of a gang-rape or incidents of violence against a minor will be led by an assistant commissioner of police.
Complaints of misconduct against women will be probed by a police station officer. If a crime is proved prime facie, a challan will be presented in a court within 15 days.
Gehlot has directed that special crime prevention cells for sexual violence against women should be set up at both the police headquarters as well as in police superintendents’ offices.
Women complainants and witnesses can be called to police stations only during the day.
Women’s organisations, which along with community groups had met the chief minister, have welcomed Gehlot’s initiative.
Gehlot has said that the Prevention of Atrocities Against Women Act will soon be approved by the government. It will then be sent to the president for approval.
The Rajasthan government will also soon bring out a girl child policy. (IANS)
