The public rallies demanding justice to the gang rape victim and stricter laws to deal with cases of violence against women continued, with a modest crowd turning up on the first day of the New Year at Jantar Mantar here. The government was asked to “show sincerity and get tough” in cases of crimes against women.
Stringent punishment was sought for the culprits responsible for the gang rape, with some rallyists even demanding public hanging so that “nobody dares to repeat the ghastly crime.” While many expressed their anger through oil paintings, placards and posters, the Indraprastha Sanjivini Trust has been mobilising a signature campaign, demanding death penalty for rape.
Trust convener Bhavik Aggarwal said: “We have got more than 1,00,000 signatures demanding capital punishment to rapists. We will submit this to the Chairperson of the National Commission for Women.”
The protesters wanted the government to bring in changes in women-related legislations, besides sensitising policemen on gender. Some sought immediate relief in terms of legal, medical, financial and psychological assistance and long-term rehabilitation measures to survivors of sexual assault.
Vishal, a professional photographer, said the protesters needed to push for swift and sure punishment in every crime against women. “Due to this case we should not lose sight of the over one lakh pending rape cases across the country where justice has not been done.”
“It will take a series of steps to make the public space safer for women. We want the government to announce and publicise gender-just protocols for First Information Reports and the police investigation of crime against women. Police officers who violate the protocols and display gender bias or victim blaming should be punished,” said Sandeep Singh, All India Students’ Association volunteer.
