Sheila Dikshit’s comments draw flak

October 03, 2008 12:00 am | Updated October 09, 2016 06:42 pm IST

New Delhi: Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit on Thursday came under attack from politicos and women activists for her comments on the murder of journalist Soumya Viswanathan that “one should not be adventurous.”

Terming Ms. Dikshit’s observation unwarranted, women activists said the Chief Minister should instead ensure safety of citizens, particularly those working late hours.

“It is shocking to hear such a statement from the person who has a ‘women-friendly image’. The murder of the girl in the late hours speaks volumes of the safety concerns of women,” activist Ranjana Kumari said.

“Unwarranted”

The Opposition Bharatiya Janata Party too lashed out at Ms. Dikshit saying the “unwarranted” quotes by her were a manifestation of her insensitivity to the security of Delhi citizens.

“Instead of airing such unwarranted statements, she should rather concentrate on improving the security scenario in the capital,” party leader V.K. Malhotra said.

“India is a free country and everybody is free to do whatever they want to do. If Soumya was an adventurous girl, it was her choice,” Jai Panda, a Rajya Sabha member and Biju Janata Dal leader said.

Woman activist Akhila Sivadas emphasised the need to recognise threats to the safety of citizens on the road. — PTI

Special team

New Delhi Staff Reporter writes:

A special team has been constituted under Deputy Commissioner of Police (South Delhi) H.G.S. Dhaliwal to investigate the murder case.

A preliminary examination of Soumya’s mobile phone records has not thrown up any significant lead.

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