Crime and punishment

We should simply agree that Delhi is unsafe, for girls and women in particular, and that there is need for a well-devised action plan to change the situation. It is the police which is empowered and responsible to make the capital safe (“

>More punishment is not less crime ,” Oct.21).

However, everytime a rape happens, a blame game starts. It is neither the Lieutenant-Governor nor the Chief Minister who are personally responsible for these acts. The law and order machinery needs to work. Forming special teams and setting up dedicated police stations are worth trying, but the moves should not be subject to undesirable politicking between the Centre and the State governments.

Uday Bindu Sharma,

Ghaziabad There needs to be better counselling and trauma support provided to the rape victim's family. Most of the times, the issue is laid to rest by just punishing the perpetrator. It is important to recognise the rights of the victim on the principle of restorative justice, a system that requires the justice system to remain sensitive to the fact that crime is not merely the breaking of the rule of law but also involves violation of the rights of the victim. Another element ignored is the possibility of the perpetrator suffering from a mental disorder. Those suffering from disorders like paedophilia need medical attention. The goal should be to provide them treatment before they indulge in any heinous crime. Punishing them alone will not serve any purpose.

Binod Kumar Agarwal,

Jamshedpur