The Rajasthan government will take every step necessary to prevent rape and other crimes against women, Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot said here on Tuesday.
“We should try and stop such crimes altogether. For this we will soon call a meeting of social activists and work out a plan based on their suggestions,” Mr. Gehlot said, addressing journalists at the State Congress headquarters.
The Chief Minister said he was highly concerned about the well-being of the 11-year-old gang-rape victim from Sikar, currently being treated at the J.K. Lone hospital here.
He said the government had acted swiftly in that case. The police made quick arrests and the government extended Rs. 5 lakh to the victim.
“The SHO or the Additional SP has been asked to visit such crime scenes. An officer of the ADG rank will monitor progress in such cases from the headquarters in Jaipur,” he said.
“However we will soon call a meeting of social activists to get their feedback on what else the government can do to make things better,” he said.
Asked about Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav’s proposed Rajasthan visit, Mr. Gehlot said he was not worried about it. “There should always be, in a democracy, this hectic activity regarding the formation of third, fourth and fifth fronts. But I believe the people of India and Rajasthan are very intelligent and have robust common sense. So they know what they need to do.”
