‘Spiral of gender violence a cause for concern’

Nannapaneni directs police to take action against accused

Mahila Commission chairperson N. Rajakumari with a victim of gender violence in Visakhapatnam.

A.P. Mahila Commission chairperson Nannapaneni Rajakumari has expressed concern over the growing incidence of attacks and crimes against women and girls. Ms. Rajakumari was here on Thursday to console three victims of gender violence in the city and two in Vizianagaram.

Terming the growing attacks on women as “sad,” she wondered whether it was a crime to be born as a girl.

‘Rape victim stable’

Later, interacting with the media, Ms. Rajakumari said, “The minor girl, who was raped by a 45-year-old man, is undergoing treatment at KGH. Her condition is stable. The police have been directed to arrest the accused.”

A pregnant woman suffered injuries on her hands and legs when her husband and mother-in-law allegedly attacked her for more dowry, she said. Fortunately, the doctors said the baby was safe. The Women and Child Welfare Department would take care of the child after its birth, she added. “The woman, who was an orphan, had undergone abortion thrice earlier after being beaten up by her husband and mother-in-law. This is her fourth pregnancy,” Ms. Rajakumari said.

Referring to the suicide by a girl student and her alleged love affair with her lecturer, Ms. Rajakumar said the post mortem report was awaited. The police were directed to initiate stringent action against the accused, she added.

Mr. Rajkumari said the commission was organising counselling sessions for both boys and girls to bring about a change in their attitude. She also advised them to stop misusing mobile phones and stop watching TV serials.

Rave party

Referring to the rave party reported in the city, Ms. Rajakumari said she had asked the police not to permit such parties on beaches. “Consumption of liquor and drugs, and girls dancing at rave parties are a cause for concern,” she observed. Ms. Rajakumari advised girls and boys to concentrate on their careers, instead of indulging in such activities and causing untold agony to parents.

Commission members M. Mani Kumari and K. Srivani, and officials of the Women and Child Welfare Department were present.