: Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) chief Swati Maliwal, who had highlighted the case of the 14-year-old Dalit rape victim, was in for a rude shock on Tuesday when an FIR was registered against her for allegedly mentioning the name of the victim in a notice to the police.
Ms. Maliwal had slammed Home Minister Rajnath Singh and the Delhi Police for not taking action against the accused in the case after the victim died on Sunday. In a notice issued to the police on July 22, the DCW had asked how the victim had been kidnapped and raped just before a court hearing.
Undeterred
Dismissing the charges pressed against her, Ms. Maliwal said she wasn’t scared of anyone.
“These are tactics to suppress my voice. It was after the DCW exposed the police’s inaction that they arrested the accused,” she said.
She added that during the protests after the December 16, 2012 gang-rape case, she was beaten up. “But it didn’t deter me. I am an activist, and I will always stand up against injustice faced by women.”
Venting ire
Later, in a series of tweets, she said, “My fault: Raised questions on failure of Delhi Police in protecting 14 year old girl. Will raise more issues. Not scared of FIR. Jai Hind. Firstly, not released name of victim. Instead ensured proper medical care in Pvt Hospital. Police arrested accused only after DCW Notice. Why should the rape victim hide her identity? Shouldn’t rapists be hiding? Is it the shame of a victim that she was subjected to cruelty? [sic]”
The AAP leaders defending the DCW chief termed the FIR against her as political vendetta.
“Swati Maliwal was the one who highlighted the case of the victim. And now, she is being targeted,” said Bhavna Gaur, AAP’s women wing chief.
Meanwhile, on Tuesday morning, scores of Aam Aadmi party workers led by six women MLAs marched towards Home Minister Rajnath Singh’s residence on Akbar Road to protest against the deteriorating law and order situation in the city.
Chandni Chowk MLA Alka Lamba said the Narendra Modi-government at the Centre had failed in keeping women safe in the city.
“The Delhi Police are busy slapping false cases on AAP MLAs,” she said.
The protesters were detained, and later released.
Chandni Chowk MLA Alka Lamba said the Centre had failed in keeping women safe in the city
