Politicians aghast at Mumbai gangrape

Political leaders cut across party lines on Friday to condemn the gangrape of a photojournalist in Mumbai.

“It will be dealt in the most severe manner. Our country cannot afford to have our women and children insecure in the hands of the attackers,” said Kapil Sibal, Communications and IT Minister, outside the Parliament House.

A 23-year-old photojournalist was gangraped in Mumbai’s Shakti Mills compound on Thursday. She was accompanied by her male colleague, who was brutally thrashed by the assailants. The photojournalist suffered grievous internal injuries.

Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar said: “It is very unfortunate and the more we talk about it is not enough. When the December 23 (sic) gangrape occurred in Delhi, within a few days a new legislation was proposed in the Parliament. I am hopeful that the legislation will now be soon implemented.”

“The gangrape that has happened is beyond tolerance. A photojournalist goes for work and if she is not safe who is safe then? The Chief Minister should answer what steps they are taking,” said BJP spokesperson Prakash Javadekar.

Opposition targets Patil

The opposition demanded Maharashtra Home Minister R.R. Patil’s resignation in the wake of the gangrape of a 23-year-old photojournalist.

“If you can’t improve the law and order situation in Mumbai, you must resign,” BJP State unit president Devendra Fadnavis said.

Shiv Sena leader Neelam Gorhe said the government had failed to maintain law and order in the State.

NCP leader Vidya Chavan said the culprits should be nabbed and given stringent punishment.