The trial in the case of rape and murder of an eight-year-old girl in Kathua in Jammu and Kashmir is nearing completion nearly a year after it began at a court in Punjab's Pathankot, officials said Sunday.

Defence lawyers are likely to complete their final arguments on Monday, followed by a brief concluding statement from the prosecution team led by JK Chopra, they said, adding that the verdict is expected thereafter.

The day-to-day in-camera trial began in the first week of June last year at the district and session court in Pathankot after the Supreme Court directed that the case be shifted out of Jammu and Kashmir after lawyers in Kathua had prevented crime branch officials from filing the charge sheet in the case.

A political turmoil was witnessed in the Jammu region last January after the Jammu and Kashmir Police's crime branch took over the case and arrested eight people, including a juvenile and two police officials who were accused of destruction of evidence.

The case became a bone of contention between the ruling alliance partners PDP and BJP. The BJP had to sack two of its ministers, Chowdhury Lal Singh and Chander Prakash Ganga, for participating in a rally of Hindu Ekta Manch in support of those arrested by the crime branch in the case.

The crime branch arrested village head Sanji Ram, his son Vishal, juvenile nephew and his friend Anand Dutta, and two special police officers Deepak Khajuria and Surender Verma. Head constable Tilak Raj and sub-inspector Anand Dutta, who allegedly took Rs 4 lakh from Sanji Ram and destroyed crucial evidence, were also arrested by the crime branch.

Charges of rape and murder were framed by the district and sessions judge against seven out of the eight accused. The trial against the juvenile is yet to begin as his petition regarding his age is to be heard by the Jammu and Kashmir High Court.

In its May 7 order, the apex court said "the pivotal fact around which the controversy centres, is an abduction, rape and murder of an eight-year-old girl. An FIR was lodged at Hiranagar Police Station, Kathua...The investigating agency, namely, the Crime Branch, which took over the investigation on 22nd January 2018 from the local police has already filed the charge-sheet on 9th April 2018, in the court of Chief Judicial Magistrate, Kathua in the State of Jammu and Kashmir".

However, the country's topmost court did not say anything about handing over the case to the CBI and rather transferred the trial to the District and Sessions judge in Pathankot in Punjab, 30 km from Kathua.

"The learned district and sessions judge, Pathankot, shall himself take up the trial and not assign it to any additional sessions judge and shall fast-track the trial and take it up on day-to-day basis so that there is no delay in trial," the three-judge bench of the Supreme Court had said in April last year.

All the accused, barring the juvenile, have been shifted to Gurdaspur jail following an intervention by the Supreme Court which also restricted the appearance of the defence lawyers and limited it to one or maximum of two per accused.

The crime branch had submitted the charge sheet in the crime on April 9 before the Kathua court.&nbsp;

The case hit the headlines after lawyers tried to prevent the police from filing the charge sheet.

According to the charge sheet, the eight-year-old girl, who was kidnapped on January 10 this year, was allegedly raped by in captivity in a small village temple in Kathua district after having been kept sedated for four days before she was bludgeoned to death.

The abduction, rape and killing of the child was part of a carefully planned strategy to remove the minority nomadic community from the area, the 15-page charge sheet says.&nbsp;

During trial, the prosecution presented opinions of doctors to suggest that an overdose of sedatives, forcibly administered to the victim before the murder, could have led her into "coma" (loss of consciousness).

The crime branch of the Jammu and Kashmir Police had sent a sample of viscera to examine the effect of "manner" candies (believed to be local cannabis) and "Epitril 0.5 mg" tablets for further opinion to a forensic laboratory.

The crime branch had decided to seek further medical opinion after it was claimed by the accused people and their lawyers in the court as well as on social media through their supporters that it was virtually impossible that the eight-year-old girl could not have cried for help when such an alleged brutal attack was happening on her.

The doctors after examining the viscera, which contains internal organs of the body, specifically those within the chest (as the heart or lungs) or abdomen (as the liver, pancreas or intestines), opined that medicine administered to the victim contains Clonazepam salt and has to be administered under medical supervision keeping in mind the age and weight of the patient.

"Considering her (victim) of 30 Kgs body weight, the therapeutic dose of 0.1 to 0.2 mgs per day divided in three doses for the patient (is recommended)," it said.

"She was forcefully administered five tablets of Clonazepam 0.5 mg each on January 11, 2018, which is higher than the safe therapeutic dose. Subsequently, more tablets were given...The signs and symptoms of an overdose may include drowsiness, confusion, impaired coordination, slow reflexes, slowed or stopped breathing, coma (loss of consciousness) and death," the opinion of the doctor had said.&nbsp;

The trial in the case of rape and murder of an eight-year-old girl in Kathua in Jammu and Kashmir is nearing completion nearly a year after it began at a court in Punjab's Pathankot, officials said Sunday.

The trial in the case of rape and murder of an eight-year-old girl in Kathua in Jammu and Kashmir is nearing completion nearly a year after it began at a court in Punjab's Pathankot, officials said Sunday. Defence lawyers are likely to complete their final arguments on Monday, followed by a brief concluding statement from the prosecution team led by JK Chopra, they said, adding that the verdict is expected thereafter. The day-to-day in-camera trial began in the first week of June last year at the district and session court in Pathankot after the Supreme Court directed that the case be shifted out of Jammu and Kashmir after lawyers in Kathua had prevented crime branch officials from filing the charge sheet in the case. A political turmoil was witnessed in the Jammu region last January after the Jammu and Kashmir Police's crime branch took over the case and arrested eight people, including a juvenile and two police officials who were accused of destruction of evidence. The case became a bone of contention between the ruling alliance partners PDP and BJP. The BJP had to sack two of its ministers, Chowdhury Lal Singh and Chander Prakash Ganga, for participating in a rally of Hindu Ekta Manch in support of those arrested by the crime branch in the case. The crime branch arrested village head Sanji Ram, his son Vishal, juvenile nephew and his friend Anand Dutta, and two special police officers Deepak Khajuria and Surender Verma. Head constable Tilak Raj and sub-inspector Anand Dutta, who allegedly took Rs 4 lakh from Sanji Ram and destroyed crucial evidence, were also arrested by the crime branch. Charges of rape and murder were framed by the district and sessions judge against seven out of the eight accused. The trial against the juvenile is yet to begin as his petition regarding his age is to be heard by the Jammu and Kashmir High Court. In its May 7 order, the apex court said "the pivotal fact around which the controversy centres, is an abduction, rape and murder of an eight-year-old girl. An FIR was lodged at Hiranagar Police Station, Kathua...The investigating agency, namely, the Crime Branch, which took over the investigation on 22nd January 2018 from the local police has already filed the charge-sheet on 9th April 2018, in the court of Chief Judicial Magistrate, Kathua in the State of Jammu and Kashmir". However, the country's topmost court did not say anything about handing over the case to the CBI and rather transferred the trial to the District and Sessions judge in Pathankot in Punjab, 30 km from Kathua. "The learned district and sessions judge, Pathankot, shall himself take up the trial and not assign it to any additional sessions judge and shall fast-track the trial and take it up on day-to-day basis so that there is no delay in trial," the three-judge bench of the Supreme Court had said in April last year. All the accused, barring the juvenile, have been shifted to Gurdaspur jail following an intervention by the Supreme Court which also restricted the appearance of the defence lawyers and limited it to one or maximum of two per accused. The crime branch had submitted the charge sheet in the crime on April 9 before the Kathua court. The case hit the headlines after lawyers tried to prevent the police from filing the charge sheet. According to the charge sheet, the eight-year-old girl, who was kidnapped on January 10 this year, was allegedly raped by in captivity in a small village temple in Kathua district after having been kept sedated for four days before she was bludgeoned to death. The abduction, rape and killing of the child was part of a carefully planned strategy to remove the minority nomadic community from the area, the 15-page charge sheet says. During trial, the prosecution presented opinions of doctors to suggest that an overdose of sedatives, forcibly administered to the victim before the murder, could have led her into "coma" (loss of consciousness). The crime branch of the Jammu and Kashmir Police had sent a sample of viscera to examine the effect of "manner" candies (believed to be local cannabis) and "Epitril 0.5 mg" tablets for further opinion to a forensic laboratory. The crime branch had decided to seek further medical opinion after it was claimed by the accused people and their lawyers in the court as well as on social media through their supporters that it was virtually impossible that the eight-year-old girl could not have cried for help when such an alleged brutal attack was happening on her. The doctors after examining the viscera, which contains internal organs of the body, specifically those within the chest (as the heart or lungs) or abdomen (as the liver, pancreas or intestines), opined that medicine administered to the victim contains Clonazepam salt and has to be administered under medical supervision keeping in mind the age and weight of the patient. "Considering her (victim) of 30 Kgs body weight, the therapeutic dose of 0.1 to 0.2 mgs per day divided in three doses for the patient (is recommended)," it said. "She was forcefully administered five tablets of Clonazepam 0.5 mg each on January 11, 2018, which is higher than the safe therapeutic dose. Subsequently, more tablets were given...The signs and symptoms of an overdose may include drowsiness, confusion, impaired coordination, slow reflexes, slowed or stopped breathing, coma (loss of consciousness) and death," the opinion of the doctor had said.

Trial in Kathua rape-and-murder case nearing completion

She is known to speak her mind on burning issues and now 'Harry Potter' star Emma Watson has applauded the Indian lawyer Deepika Singh Rajwat for fighting the case of Kathua rape case victim and her family.&nbsp; 
 
Watson on Friday tweeted in support of Rajwat, who is fighting the case of a minor girl whose rape and murder in Kathua district of Jammu and Kashmir sent shockwaves globally.

The actress shared an article about "How the Kathua rape case lawyer is a force to reckon with" and wrote: "All power to Deepika Singh Rajawat."

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
All power to Deepika Singh Rajawat ✊?<a href="https://t.co/sZzDVcIFNo">https://t.co/sZzDVcIFNo</a>
— Emma Watson (@EmmaWatson) <a href="https://twitter.com/EmmaWatson/status/992169661406982145?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 3, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The British actor has been a UN Women Goodwill Ambassador and she has actively dedicated her efforts towards the empowerment of young women.

The article shared by Watson brings attention to Rajawat`s confident and professional demeanour as she is flanked by men who are not staring at her.

Rajawat has been representing the family of the eight-year-old girl whose body was recovered from Rassana forest in Kathua on January 17, a week after she went missing while grazing horses in the forest area.&nbsp;

She was reportedly held captive inside a temple and was sedated before being raped, tortured and murdered.

The case is ongoing in the Jammu and Kashmir High Court. Rajawat has been in defiance against her own colleagues in the Jammu Bar Association who allegedly warned her against taking up the case.

Watson on Friday tweeted in support of Rajwat, who is fighting the case of a minor girl whose rape and murder in Kathua district of Jammu and Kashmir sent shockwaves globally.

She is known to speak her mind on burning issues and now 'Harry Potter' star Emma Watson has applauded the Indian lawyer Deepika Singh Rajwat for fighting the case of Kathua rape case victim and her family. Watson on Friday tweeted in support of Rajwat, who is fighting the case of a minor girl whose rape and murder in Kathua district of Jammu and Kashmir sent shockwaves globally. The actress shared an article about "How the Kathua rape case lawyer is a force to reckon with" and wrote: "All power to Deepika Singh Rajawat." All power to Deepika Singh Rajawat ✊?https://t.co/sZzDVcIFNo — Emma Watson (@EmmaWatson) May 3, 2018 × The British actor has been a UN Women Goodwill Ambassador and she has actively dedicated her efforts towards the empowerment of young women. The article shared by Watson brings attention to Rajawat`s confident and professional demeanour as she is flanked by men who are not staring at her. Rajawat has been representing the family of the eight-year-old girl whose body was recovered from Rassana forest in Kathua on January 17, a week after she went missing while grazing horses in the forest area. She was reportedly held captive inside a temple and was sedated before being raped, tortured and murdered. The case is ongoing in the Jammu and Kashmir High Court. Rajawat has been in defiance against her own colleagues in the Jammu Bar Association who allegedly warned her against taking up the case.

Emma Watson lauds Kathua rape victim's lawyer courage

The Jammu and Kashmir Police, investigating the gang-rape and murder of an eight-year-old girl in Kathua, have said that prime accused Sanji Ram told them he decided to kill the girl to save his son.

News agency PTI quotes the police as saying that during interrogation, Sanji Ram said the girl was first raped on January 10, the day she was kidnapped, by Ram's nephew, <a href="www.wionews.com/india-news/juvenile-accused-in-kathua-case-appears-in-court-given-charge-sheet-132801">a juvenile</a>, and killed on January 14. Her body was found on January 17 in a forest.

The investigators also said that the girl as kept in a temple where Sanji Ram was the custodian. The aim of the kidnapping was to scare and drive away the nomadic Gujjar and Bakarwal communities from the area, PTI quoted investigators.

Sanji Ram further told the investigators that he found out about the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-hits-the-street-to-protest-unnao-kathua-gang-rapes-130612">Kathua rape case</a> on January 13 when the nephew confessed to him. The boy took a long time in carrying out a task given to him by Sanji Ram which enraged him, and he beat him up. That is when the nephew confessed to Sanji Ram about the crime he had committed, the investigators said, and also named his son Vishal as partner in crime.

Sanji Ram then decided to kill the girl as he did not want to leave any evidence that led to his son, the investigators said.

According to the plan hatched by Sanji Ram and other accused, the girl was taken out of the temple on the intervening night of January 13 and 14. Police officer Deepak Khajuria who joined them, wanted to rape the girl once more before she was killed.

The eight-year-old was killed on January 14, but things didn't go as planned.

The body of the child was to be transported and disposed of in the Hiranagar canal nearby. However, a vehicle could not be arranged in time. The juvenile, Sanji Ram's son Vishal, Khajuria and another accused Mannu lifted the body and took it back to the temple while Ram kept watch outside, the investigators said.

Further investigation showed that Sanji Ram told his nephew and his son the next day that his friend had refused to bring a car so the two had to throw it in the jungle.

Preparations for the abduction had started on January 7 when sedatives and 'manar' (local cannabis or bhang) were purchased, the police chargesheet said.

The child was sedated with 'manar' and kept in the temple covered with a rug and a mattress weighing nearly 15 kg, investigators said.

However, Sanji Ram's lawyer Ankur Sharma refused to comment on the investigators' version, saying it would not be appropriate for him to discuss defence strategy. "At least the defence lawyer should not be commenting on the merits of the case. It is like leaking your strategy as a defence lawyer," he said.

The police chargesheets - a separate chargesheet was filed for the juvenile - named Ram, his nephew, his son Vishal, SPOs Khajuria and Surender Verma and Mannu.

While Ram has been charged with murder, kidnapping and destruction of evidence, Mannu has been charged with kidnapping. The other three have rape added to the list of charges.

The chargesheet also names head constable Tilak Raj and sub-inspector Anand Dutta - who allegedly took Rs 4 lakh from Sanji Ram and destroyed crucial evidence.

All of them have been charged under Section 120B of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) for criminal conspiracy.

On January 23, the government handed over the case to the Crime Branch of the state police, which formed a Special Investigation Team and arrested the eight people. The accused pleaded not guilty on the opening day of the trial in the principal district and sessions court on April 16. The next hearing in the case is on April 28.

The child was sedated and kept in the temple covered with a rug and a mattress weighing nearly 15 kg, investigators said.

The Jammu and Kashmir Police, investigating the gang-rape and murder of an eight-year-old girl in Kathua, have said that prime accused Sanji Ram told them he decided to kill the girl to save his son. News agency PTI quotes the police as saying that during interrogation, Sanji Ram said the girl was first raped on January 10, the day she was kidnapped, by Ram's nephew, a juvenile, and killed on January 14. Her body was found on January 17 in a forest. The investigators also said that the girl as kept in a temple where Sanji Ram was the custodian. The aim of the kidnapping was to scare and drive away the nomadic Gujjar and Bakarwal communities from the area, PTI quoted investigators. Sanji Ram further told the investigators that he found out about the Kathua rape case on January 13 when the nephew confessed to him. The boy took a long time in carrying out a task given to him by Sanji Ram which enraged him, and he beat him up. That is when the nephew confessed to Sanji Ram about the crime he had committed, the investigators said, and also named his son Vishal as partner in crime. Sanji Ram then decided to kill the girl as he did not want to leave any evidence that led to his son, the investigators said. According to the plan hatched by Sanji Ram and other accused, the girl was taken out of the temple on the intervening night of January 13 and 14. Police officer Deepak Khajuria who joined them, wanted to rape the girl once more before she was killed. The eight-year-old was killed on January 14, but things didn't go as planned. The body of the child was to be transported and disposed of in the Hiranagar canal nearby. However, a vehicle could not be arranged in time. The juvenile, Sanji Ram's son Vishal, Khajuria and another accused Mannu lifted the body and took it back to the temple while Ram kept watch outside, the investigators said. Further investigation showed that Sanji Ram told his nephew and his son the next day that his friend had refused to bring a car so the two had to throw it in the jungle. Preparations for the abduction had started on January 7 when sedatives and 'manar' (local cannabis or bhang) were purchased, the police chargesheet said. The child was sedated with 'manar' and kept in the temple covered with a rug and a mattress weighing nearly 15 kg, investigators said. However, Sanji Ram's lawyer Ankur Sharma refused to comment on the investigators' version, saying it would not be appropriate for him to discuss defence strategy. "At least the defence lawyer should not be commenting on the merits of the case. It is like leaking your strategy as a defence lawyer," he said. The police chargesheets - a separate chargesheet was filed for the juvenile - named Ram, his nephew, his son Vishal, SPOs Khajuria and Surender Verma and Mannu. While Ram has been charged with murder, kidnapping and destruction of evidence, Mannu has been charged with kidnapping. The other three have rape added to the list of charges. The chargesheet also names head constable Tilak Raj and sub-inspector Anand Dutta - who allegedly took Rs 4 lakh from Sanji Ram and destroyed crucial evidence. All of them have been charged under Section 120B of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) for criminal conspiracy. On January 23, the government handed over the case to the Crime Branch of the state police, which formed a Special Investigation Team and arrested the eight people. The accused pleaded not guilty on the opening day of the trial in the principal district and sessions court on April 16. The next hearing in the case is on April 28.

Kathua rape case: Main accused Sanji Ram planned girl's murder to save son, say investigators

Grotesque and barbaric is the only way to describe the rape and murder of an eight-year-old child, in a country where women and girls are traditionally revered as Goddesses.

There have been numerous cases of rape across the country, however, the story of the little girl from Kathua, who was sedated, gang-raped, tortured and then murdered has haunted us all. She was killed in January 2018, but the details of the case grabbed national headlines only in April this was partly due to the heinous nature of the crime, and disturbing allegations that the child's treatment was the result of a concerted plan of action to drive out the nomadic Muslim community which her family belongs to.

Since then, the media in India has been awash with case after case of babies and girls being raped across India, with little to no action taking place to prevent this deluge of sexual assault and violence. From an eight-month-old baby girl in Indore, to a nine-year-old in Etah, Uttar Pradesh, to a 10-year-old girl in Chhattisgarh, to the rape of a 16-year-old in Unnao, Uttar Pradesh (allegedly by a leader in the Bharatiya Janata Party, India's ruling party), there is seemingly a new atrocious daily headline on the rape and murder of a child.

All the while, elected officials have either been shockingly silent, or have spoken out too late, and some have even shown their active support for the accused perpetrators of such crimes.

Have we become so numbed in India that such revelations no longer hold any shock value for us? Has the simple humanity of protecting our innocent and helpless children from harm, the most important duty of every adult in India, forsaken us?

Consider this. In 2016, over 19,000 cases of rape were registered in India. In 2017, in India's capital Delhi, an average of five rapes was reported every day. In response, through an executive order and cabinet approval, the Indian government introduced the death penalty for those found guilty of the rape of a child under the age of 12.

Globally, death sentences are coming to an end. It is my personal belief that the death penalty will have little or no effect, however heinous the crime is. As Friedrich Nietzsche said, "When fighting a monster, be careful not to become a monster yourself."

The issue India is grappling with at present is an endemic, societal problem and no quick fixes are likely to solve it. Harsh penalties alone will not be a deterrent. As the malaise is systemic, so too should be the cure.

So here is a four-tier approach:

First, it is important to increase the reporting of rape and assault. Across the world rape is a generally underreported crime this is all the more true in India. It is essential that women and children be educated on their rights on reporting of a violent act against them through an active social media campaign.

Secondly, it is absolutely vital that law enforcers are trained to react swiftly and with sensitivity to women and children who have been harassed, assaulted or raped. Sensitivity training and knowledge of the rights of women and children are another vital need and must be made mandatory for all law enforcement agencies.

Thirdly, punishments need to be exemplary and widely covered in the media. There must be a "shock and awe" campaign of zero tolerance against sex offenders and those who kill and violate women and children. Fast track courts must ensure that the law is surgical and unrelenting in pursuing and ensuring that such offenders face the full force of justice, regardless of their rank and station.

And finally, a nationwide campaign is needed to ignite values and traditions that respect and nurture women and children. This can only be borne out of consensus in society. Awareness among men of the scope of this issue is critical. Men who turn a blind eye to such brutal acts in their own neighbourhoods, communities and families are just as culpable as those that perpetrate these acts. Action from courts and police will not suffice if the community remains defiantly opposed to change.

So the biggest question remains: How exactly to engage the entire populace to initiate a change in mindset? How can a national conversation on this subject be leveraged into national action?

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Have we become so numbed in India that such revelations no longer hold any shock value for us?

Grotesque and barbaric is the only way to describe the rape and murder of an eight-year-old child, in a country where women and girls are traditionally revered as Goddesses. There have been numerous cases of rape across the country, however, the story of the little girl from Kathua, who was sedated, gang-raped, tortured and then murdered has haunted us all. She was killed in January 2018, but the details of the case grabbed national headlines only in April this was partly due to the heinous nature of the crime, and disturbing allegations that the child's treatment was the result of a concerted plan of action to drive out the nomadic Muslim community which her family belongs to. Since then, the media in India has been awash with case after case of babies and girls being raped across India, with little to no action taking place to prevent this deluge of sexual assault and violence. From an eight-month-old baby girl in Indore, to a nine-year-old in Etah, Uttar Pradesh, to a 10-year-old girl in Chhattisgarh, to the rape of a 16-year-old in Unnao, Uttar Pradesh (allegedly by a leader in the Bharatiya Janata Party, India's ruling party), there is seemingly a new atrocious daily headline on the rape and murder of a child. All the while, elected officials have either been shockingly silent, or have spoken out too late, and some have even shown their active support for the accused perpetrators of such crimes. Have we become so numbed in India that such revelations no longer hold any shock value for us? Has the simple humanity of protecting our innocent and helpless children from harm, the most important duty of every adult in India, forsaken us? Consider this. In 2016, over 19,000 cases of rape were registered in India. In 2017, in India's capital Delhi, an average of five rapes was reported every day. In response, through an executive order and cabinet approval, the Indian government introduced the death penalty for those found guilty of the rape of a child under the age of 12. Globally, death sentences are coming to an end. It is my personal belief that the death penalty will have little or no effect, however heinous the crime is. As Friedrich Nietzsche said, "When fighting a monster, be careful not to become a monster yourself." The issue India is grappling with at present is an endemic, societal problem and no quick fixes are likely to solve it. Harsh penalties alone will not be a deterrent. As the malaise is systemic, so too should be the cure. So here is a four-tier approach: First, it is important to increase the reporting of rape and assault. Across the world rape is a generally underreported crime this is all the more true in India. It is essential that women and children be educated on their rights on reporting of a violent act against them through an active social media campaign. Secondly, it is absolutely vital that law enforcers are trained to react swiftly and with sensitivity to women and children who have been harassed, assaulted or raped. Sensitivity training and knowledge of the rights of women and children are another vital need and must be made mandatory for all law enforcement agencies. Thirdly, punishments need to be exemplary and widely covered in the media. There must be a "shock and awe" campaign of zero tolerance against sex offenders and those who kill and violate women and children. Fast track courts must ensure that the law is surgical and unrelenting in pursuing and ensuring that such offenders face the full force of justice, regardless of their rank and station. And finally, a nationwide campaign is needed to ignite values and traditions that respect and nurture women and children. This can only be borne out of consensus in society. Awareness among men of the scope of this issue is critical. Men who turn a blind eye to such brutal acts in their own neighbourhoods, communities and families are just as culpable as those that perpetrate these acts. Action from courts and police will not suffice if the community remains defiantly opposed to change. So the biggest question remains: How exactly to engage the entire populace to initiate a change in mindset? How can a national conversation on this subject be leveraged into national action? (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: Suggestions to prevent Kathua-like incidents

The Mehbooba Mufti government in Jammu and Kashmir today approved an ordinance providing death penalty to those guilty of raping children, a development that comes in the wake of massive outrage over the Kathua rape and murder case.

Significantly, the government also shifted the 'burden of proof' on the accused, while bringing provisions to ensure time-bound fast-track investigation and trial in such cases, a minister said.

The Centre had also approved an ordinance to amend the Protection of Children From Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act only last week.&nbsp&nbsp &nbsp

In cases of rape, where the victim is a child up to the age of 12, we have provided for death penalty to those found guilty, Jammu and Kashmir Law Minister Abdul Hak Khan told reporters here today.

The state Cabinet, which met under Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, approved two ordinances to provide stringent punishment including death penalty for those convicted of rape of minor girls, the minister said.&nbsp

"One ordinance is the criminal law ordinance 2018, in which enhancement of punishment in rape victim cases is provided and the second is Jammu and Kashmir protection of children from sexual violence ordinance," Khan said.

We are amending the Ranbir Penal Code (RPC) criminal procedure and evidence act, Khan, who flanked by State Finance Minister Syed Altaf Bukhari, said.

The second ordinance is aimed at checking offences against children up to the age of 16 and that is a special act we have brought in the shape of an ordinance today, he said.&nbsp

The government had specified in the ordinance that life means "entire life" in terms of punishment, the minister said. Earlier, the interpretation of life sentence was different, from 10 years to 16 years, now we have kept it in the law so that nobody can interpret it otherwise, he added.

The government has changed the pattern of investigation and trial of rape cases in J&K would be fast-tracked, he said.&nbsp"Only women police officers will investigate such cases and two months has been set as the time frame for completion of investigation," Khan said.&nbsp

We have fixed a six months period for trial, he added.

An appeal time of six months has been provided in such cases and it is to be decided within six months, he said.&nbspIn cases of fine imposed by the court, the new ordinance would direct that amount for the rehabilitation of the victims, unlike earlier when it used to go to the state exchequer, he said.

The trial will be in camera and bail provisions made tougher, he said.

He said child-friendly provisions had been brought through the second ordinance so that the victims are not harassed.&nbspIt is must for the courts to record the victim's statement within 30 days, he said. "We have put in the ordinance that the burden of proof is on the accused. Accused has to prove that I have not committed crime," he said.&nbsp

This step has been taken in view of the Kathua rape and murder case by the Mehbooba Mufti government in J&K, he said.&nbspThe body of a girl, from the Bakerwal community, was recovered from a forest on January 17, a week after she went missing while grazing horses in the forest area.&nbsp

The crime branch arrested 8 people including Juvenile and submitted charge-sheet in the court in Kathua on April 9. The trial has begun in the case on Monday last.&nbsp

This step has been taken in view of the Kathua rape and murder case by the Mehbooba Mufti government in J&K

The Mehbooba Mufti government in Jammu and Kashmir today approved an ordinance providing death penalty to those guilty of raping children, a development that comes in the wake of massive outrage over the Kathua rape and murder case. Significantly, the government also shifted the 'burden of proof' on the accused, while bringing provisions to ensure time-bound fast-track investigation and trial in such cases, a minister said. The Centre had also approved an ordinance to amend the Protection of Children From Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act only last week. In cases of rape, where the victim is a child up to the age of 12, we have provided for death penalty to those found guilty, Jammu and Kashmir Law Minister Abdul Hak Khan told reporters here today. The state Cabinet, which met under Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, approved two ordinances to provide stringent punishment including death penalty for those convicted of rape of minor girls, the minister said. "One ordinance is the criminal law ordinance 2018, in which enhancement of punishment in rape victim cases is provided and the second is Jammu and Kashmir protection of children from sexual violence ordinance," Khan said. We are amending the Ranbir Penal Code (RPC) criminal procedure and evidence act, Khan, who flanked by State Finance Minister Syed Altaf Bukhari, said. The second ordinance is aimed at checking offences against children up to the age of 16 and that is a special act we have brought in the shape of an ordinance today, he said. The government had specified in the ordinance that life means "entire life" in terms of punishment, the minister said. Earlier, the interpretation of life sentence was different, from 10 years to 16 years, now we have kept it in the law so that nobody can interpret it otherwise, he added. The government has changed the pattern of investigation and trial of rape cases in J&K would be fast-tracked, he said. "Only women police officers will investigate such cases and two months has been set as the time frame for completion of investigation," Khan said. We have fixed a six months period for trial, he added. An appeal time of six months has been provided in such cases and it is to be decided within six months, he said.&nbspIn cases of fine imposed by the court, the new ordinance would direct that amount for the rehabilitation of the victims, unlike earlier when it used to go to the state exchequer, he said. The trial will be in camera and bail provisions made tougher, he said. He said child-friendly provisions had been brought through the second ordinance so that the victims are not harassed.&nbspIt is must for the courts to record the victim's statement within 30 days, he said. "We have put in the ordinance that the burden of proof is on the accused. Accused has to prove that I have not committed crime," he said. This step has been taken in view of the Kathua rape and murder case by the Mehbooba Mufti government in J&K, he said.&nbspThe body of a girl, from the Bakerwal community, was recovered from a forest on January 17, a week after she went missing while grazing horses in the forest area. The crime branch arrested 8 people including Juvenile and submitted charge-sheet in the court in Kathua on April 9. The trial has begun in the case on Monday last.

J&K cabinet approves ordinance on death penalty for raping children

Naseeruddin Shah on Monday spoke about a disturbing rape culture in India and the spike in rape cases being reported by the media calling it a “positive sign” at the trailer launch of his upcoming film Hope Aur Hum. Disturbed by the recent rape and murder cases of young girls, he spoke about it not being a recent phenomenon. &nbsp;

At the trailer launch, when he was asked for his opinion on the rape and murder of an eight-year-old girl in Jammu and Kashmir’s village, Shah said, "Well, rape is not a new phenomenon, such horrors have always happened but the positive thing is, these days such cases are reported more.”

“In fact, there is a very wonderful thing that I read yesterday in a newspaper where a rape survivor was saying that why should the victim have to hide her face? In fact, the accused, who committed the crime should be ashamed, they should hide their faces. It’s a threatful situation... I guess it’s a good thing that media is so alert about all these things nowadays. It surely makes our morning horrifying, as the moment you open the newspaper, such news appears. But it is good that such incidents are talked about.”

He, however, pointed out that this is not the solution and said, "We are talking about a generational change of mindset, that cannot happen overnight. What we can do, is to trend set the example in our personal lives. We cannot keep on policing or not every girl possibly keeps a pistol or learns martial arts. It has to begin with us, with each one of us.”

The trailer launch of Hope Aur Hum was attended by the cast and crew of the film including actress Sonali Kulkarni, Naveen Kasturia, along with child actors of the film and director Sudip Bandyopadhyay. The film is slated to release on May 11.

Naseeruddin Shah spoke about the spike in media reportage about rape cases at the trailer launch of his film 'Hope Aur Hum'

Naseeruddin Shah on Monday spoke about a disturbing rape culture in India and the spike in rape cases being reported by the media calling it a “positive sign” at the trailer launch of his upcoming film Hope Aur Hum. Disturbed by the recent rape and murder cases of young girls, he spoke about it not being a recent phenomenon. At the trailer launch, when he was asked for his opinion on the rape and murder of an eight-year-old girl in Jammu and Kashmir’s village, Shah said, "Well, rape is not a new phenomenon, such horrors have always happened but the positive thing is, these days such cases are reported more.” “In fact, there is a very wonderful thing that I read yesterday in a newspaper where a rape survivor was saying that why should the victim have to hide her face? In fact, the accused, who committed the crime should be ashamed, they should hide their faces. It’s a threatful situation... I guess it’s a good thing that media is so alert about all these things nowadays. It surely makes our morning horrifying, as the moment you open the newspaper, such news appears. But it is good that such incidents are talked about.” He, however, pointed out that this is not the solution and said, "We are talking about a generational change of mindset, that cannot happen overnight. What we can do, is to trend set the example in our personal lives. We cannot keep on policing or not every girl possibly keeps a pistol or learns martial arts. It has to begin with us, with each one of us.” The trailer launch of Hope Aur Hum was attended by the cast and crew of the film including actress Sonali Kulkarni, Naveen Kasturia, along with child actors of the film and director Sudip Bandyopadhyay. The film is slated to release on May 11.

Naseeruddin Shah: More rape cases being reported is a good thing

The family of the eight-year-old girl who was brutally gang-raped and murdered in Kathua in January has approached the Supreme Court, asking for security and for the trial to be transferred out of Kathua.

The top court will hear their plea at 2:00 pm today.

The petition comes even as the trial in the case began at Kathua today morning. The next day for the hearing is April 28.

The accused allegedly held the girl in captivity in a small village temple in Kathua district for a week in January this year during which she was kept sedated and sexually assaulted before being bludgeoned to death.

 
&nbsp;

The family wants the trial to be transferred to Chandigarh. The Supreme Court will hear the victim's father at 2 pm today

The family of the eight-year-old girl who was brutally gang-raped and murdered in Kathua in January has approached the Supreme Court, asking for security and for the trial to be transferred out of Kathua. The top court will hear their plea at 2:00 pm today. The petition comes even as the trial in the case began at Kathua today morning. The next day for the hearing is April 28. The accused allegedly held the girl in captivity in a small village temple in Kathua district for a week in January this year during which she was kept sedated and sexually assaulted before being bludgeoned to death.

Kathua gang rape case: Child's family wants Supreme Court to shift trial out of Jammu

After the horrifying rape and murder incident of an eight-year-old in Kathua, Jammu & Kashmir, people in several cities have reportedly launched a campaign to boycott the party. &nbsp;

“Girls below the age of 10 live in this house. BJP members should kindly not come here seeking votes.”

“***, this country is mourning for you. No entry for Sanghis. We have girl children in the house.”

“There are girl children in this house. BJP members who come seeking for votes, please stand outside the gate.”

Posters appeared outside at least 20 houses in Kalamachal near Vamanapuram in Thiruvananthapuram district on Friday banning the entry of BJP workers. The form of protest has apparently spread to Chengannur in Alappuzha district also where the BJP is facing a crucial bypoll.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Posters going up outside Kerala homes saying there are girls below 10 years of age living there, so BJP canvassers should stay outside <a href="https://t.co/aFc2CsZ2Ob">pic.twitter.com/aFc2CsZ2Ob</a>
— Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) <a href="https://twitter.com/ShashiTharoor/status/985561661384740865?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 15, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

BJP workers have been warned not to enter the houses seeking votes. The protest was reportedly kicked off by local CPM workers in Kalamachal, reports said.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
“Leave your leaflets outside the gate. Vote-seeking BJP members please do not enter the house, we have under-10 girls” 
 
Malayalis are posting pictures of variants of this poster on Facebook, as a protest against <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BalatkariJanataParty?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BalatkariJanataParty</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RapeSevaSangh?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RapeSevaSangh</a> ? <a href="https://t.co/PGMx50f3Ts">pic.twitter.com/PGMx50f3Ts</a>
— The Last Caveman (@CarDroidusMax) <a href="https://twitter.com/CarDroidusMax/status/984749621783203840?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 13, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

In Jammu and Kashmir, two Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) ministers have resigned after it was reported that they attended a rally in support of accused in Kathua rape and murder case. In Uttar Pradesh's Unnao, a BJP MLA has been arrested on charges of raping a 17-year-old girl.&nbsp;

Residents said this was done due to the alleged role of BJP workers in a number of rapes and crime against women.

In Uttar Pradesh's Unnao district, a BJP MLA and his brother have been accused of raping a minor and beating up her father who later died of injuries while in custody.

Amid heightened public anger, the CBI on Friday arrested MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar on the directions of the Allahabad High Court.

The Kathua case relates to an eight-year-old girl from the nomadic Bakerwal Muslim community who had disappeared from near her home in a village near Kathua in the Jammu region on January 10. Her body was found in the same area a week later.

 
&nbsp;

BJP workers have been warned not to enter the houses seeking votes.The protest was reportedly kicked off by local CPM workers in Kalamachal, reports said

After the horrifying rape and murder incident of an eight-year-old in Kathua, Jammu & Kashmir, people in several cities have reportedly launched a campaign to boycott the party. “Girls below the age of 10 live in this house. BJP members should kindly not come here seeking votes.” “***, this country is mourning for you. No entry for Sanghis. We have girl children in the house.” “There are girl children in this house. BJP members who come seeking for votes, please stand outside the gate.” Posters appeared outside at least 20 houses in Kalamachal near Vamanapuram in Thiruvananthapuram district on Friday banning the entry of BJP workers. The form of protest has apparently spread to Chengannur in Alappuzha district also where the BJP is facing a crucial bypoll. Posters going up outside Kerala homes saying there are girls below 10 years of age living there, so BJP canvassers should stay outside pic.twitter.com/aFc2CsZ2Ob — Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) April 15, 2018 × BJP workers have been warned not to enter the houses seeking votes. The protest was reportedly kicked off by local CPM workers in Kalamachal, reports said. “Leave your leaflets outside the gate. Vote-seeking BJP members please do not enter the house, we have under-10 girls” Malayalis are posting pictures of variants of this poster on Facebook, as a protest against #BalatkariJanataParty and #RapeSevaSangh ? pic.twitter.com/PGMx50f3Ts — The Last Caveman (@CarDroidusMax) April 13, 2018 × In Jammu and Kashmir, two Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) ministers have resigned after it was reported that they attended a rally in support of accused in Kathua rape and murder case. In Uttar Pradesh's Unnao, a BJP MLA has been arrested on charges of raping a 17-year-old girl. Residents said this was done due to the alleged role of BJP workers in a number of rapes and crime against women. In Uttar Pradesh's Unnao district, a BJP MLA and his brother have been accused of raping a minor and beating up her father who later died of injuries while in custody. Amid heightened public anger, the CBI on Friday arrested MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar on the directions of the Allahabad High Court. The Kathua case relates to an eight-year-old girl from the nomadic Bakerwal Muslim community who had disappeared from near her home in a village near Kathua in the Jammu region on January 10. Her body was found in the same area a week later.

Girls below the age of 10 live in this house. BJP members not to come seeking votes: Posters go up in Kerala

The counsel of the Kathua rape victim's family,&nbsp;Deepika S Rajawat, has said that her life was in danger and she would approach the Supreme Court on Monday.

Expressing the&nbsp;fear of getting raped or killed, the&nbsp;counsel said&nbsp;that&nbsp;she&nbsp;does not know&nbsp;how&nbsp;long was she&nbsp;going to live.

She also added that she was threatened on Saturday.&nbsp;&nbsp;

She said " I don't know till when I will be alive. I can be raped, my modesty can be outraged, I can be killed, I can be damaged. I was threatened&nbsp;yesterday that ' we will not forgive you". I am going to tell Supreme Court tomorrow that I am in danger".

The trial in the horrific rape case of the eight-year-old child will begin on Monday.&nbsp;

An eight-year-old was gang-raped and murdered&nbsp;in Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua.

The culprits drugged her and held her in captive in a small temple for several days before brutally killing her with a rock.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
I don't know till when I will be alive. I can be raped, my modesty can be outraged, I can be killed, I can be damaged. I was threatened yesterday that 'we will not forgive you'. I am going to tell SC tomorrow that I am in danger: Deepika S Rajawat, Counsel, Kathua victim's family <a href="https://t.co/khXFELUqZe">pic.twitter.com/khXFELUqZe</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/985545570407337985?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 15, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

'I can be raped, my modesty can be outraged, I can be killed, I can be damaged. I was threatened yesterday that 'we will not forgive you,' Deepika S Rajawat said

The counsel of the Kathua rape victim's family, Deepika S Rajawat, has said that her life was in danger and she would approach the Supreme Court on Monday. Expressing the fear of getting raped or killed, the counsel said that she does not know how long was she going to live. She also added that she was threatened on Saturday. She said " I don't know till when I will be alive. I can be raped, my modesty can be outraged, I can be killed, I can be damaged. I was threatened yesterday that ' we will not forgive you". I am going to tell Supreme Court tomorrow that I am in danger". The trial in the horrific rape case of the eight-year-old child will begin on Monday. An eight-year-old was gang-raped and murdered in Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua. The culprits drugged her and held her in captive in a small temple for several days before brutally killing her with a rock. I don't know till when I will be alive. I can be raped, my modesty can be outraged, I can be killed, I can be damaged. I was threatened yesterday that 'we will not forgive you'. I am going to tell SC tomorrow that I am in danger: Deepika S Rajawat, Counsel, Kathua victim's family pic.twitter.com/khXFELUqZe — ANI (@ANI) April 15, 2018 ×

Don't know till when I will be alive: Kathua victim's family's lawyer

In the wake of the rising number of rapes in the country, residents of a colony in Allahabad have put up posters outside their houses restricting entry of politicians and BJP leaders.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/WyAeASGiB9w" width="560"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The people of Shivkuti colony in Allahabad have put up posters outside their houses, stating "entry of politicians and members of BJP is prohibited".&nbsp;

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/police-arrest-2-for-allegedly-raping-college-student-in-gurugram-130396">Gurugram girl says she was gang-raped, blackmailed 2 arrested</a>

According to the locals, the posters have been put up by the people because of their belief that BJP workers were&nbsp;responsible for the rising number of&nbsp;rapes and crime against women.

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/9-year-olds-body-with-86-injury-marks-on-it-found-in-surat-she-was-raped-for-at-least-8-days-130455">9-year-old's body with 86 injury marks found in Surat she was raped for at least 8 days</a>

The horrific rape and murder of an eight-year-old in Kathua Jammu and Kashmir shook the entire nation recently. The girl was held captive for several days, sedated and gang-raped for several days before being killed.

While in Uttar&nbsp;Pradesh an MLA has been arrested for allegedly raping a teen. The girl alleged that she was held captive in a hotel room by the district administration&nbsp;with guards surrounding her.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Allahabad: Residents of Shivkuti colony have put posters outside their houses, stating 'entry of politicians & members of BJP is prohibited'. Locals say this has been done due to alleged role of BJP workers in increasing number of rapes & crime against women. <a href="https://t.co/K7CCd4IHdL">pic.twitter.com/K7CCd4IHdL</a>
— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/985182128982945793?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 14, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

The people of Shivkuti colony in Allahabad have put up posters outside their houses, stating 'entry of politicians and members of BJP is prohibited'

In the wake of the rising number of rapes in the country, residents of a colony in Allahabad have put up posters outside their houses restricting entry of politicians and BJP leaders. × The people of Shivkuti colony in Allahabad have put up posters outside their houses, stating "entry of politicians and members of BJP is prohibited". Also read: Gurugram girl says she was gang-raped, blackmailed 2 arrested According to the locals, the posters have been put up by the people because of their belief that BJP workers were responsible for the rising number of rapes and crime against women. Also read: 9-year-old's body with 86 injury marks found in Surat she was raped for at least 8 days The horrific rape and murder of an eight-year-old in Kathua Jammu and Kashmir shook the entire nation recently. The girl was held captive for several days, sedated and gang-raped for several days before being killed. While in Uttar Pradesh an MLA has been arrested for allegedly raping a teen. The girl alleged that she was held captive in a hotel room by the district administration with guards surrounding her. Allahabad: Residents of Shivkuti colony have put posters outside their houses, stating 'entry of politicians & members of BJP is prohibited'. Locals say this has been done due to alleged role of BJP workers in increasing number of rapes & crime against women. pic.twitter.com/K7CCd4IHdL — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) April 14, 2018 ×

Allahabad: Colony puts up posters banning entry of BJP members after recent rapes

People's Democratic Party leader Naeem Akhtar has hinted on introducing a new law in Jammu and Kashmir for punishing rape convicts of minors.

He said that the new law will give a death penalty to the people who rape minors.

He said " I want justice for the eight-year-old at the earliest. This government will soon bring a law in the state under which people who rape minors will be given death penalty. Entire nation has come with her."

Also read: <a href="http://cmsuat.wionews.com/india-news/maneka-gandhi-proposes-death-penalty-for-rape-of-children-below-12-years-130267">Maneka Gandhi proposes </a><a href="http://cmsuat.wionews.com/india-news/maneka-gandhi-proposes-death-penalty-for-rape-of-children-below-12-years-130267">death</a><a href="http://cmsuat.wionews.com/india-news/maneka-gandhi-proposes-death-penalty-for-rape-of-children-below-12-years-130267"> penalty for rape of children below 12 years</a>

The PDP minister's proposal has come in the wake of the brutal rape and murder of the eight-year-old in Kathua, Jammu and Kashmir.&nbsp;

The eight-year-old was allegedly&nbsp;gang-raped by a group of men who held her in captive in a small temple&nbsp;for several days. The accused drugged her and repeatedly gang-raped&nbsp;her for days before finally killing&nbsp;her with a rock.

A day before&nbsp;Union minister Maneka Gandhi also proposed of introducing a&nbsp;death penalty for children before the age of 12 years.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
I want justice for the 8-year-old at the earliest. This govt will soon bring a law in the state under which people who rape minors will be given death penalty. Entire nation has come with her: Naeem Akhtar, PDP on Kathua rape case <a href="https://t.co/1awn8jIgVL">pic.twitter.com/1awn8jIgVL</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/985138879891169281?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 14, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

PDP leader Naeem Akhtar said 'I want justice for the eight-year-old at the earliest. This government will soon bring a law in the state under which people who rape minors will be given death penalty. Entire nation has come with her'

People's Democratic Party leader Naeem Akhtar has hinted on introducing a new law in Jammu and Kashmir for punishing rape convicts of minors. He said that the new law will give a death penalty to the people who rape minors. He said " I want justice for the eight-year-old at the earliest. This government will soon bring a law in the state under which people who rape minors will be given death penalty. Entire nation has come with her." Also read: Maneka Gandhi proposes death penalty for rape of children below 12 years The PDP minister's proposal has come in the wake of the brutal rape and murder of the eight-year-old in Kathua, Jammu and Kashmir. The eight-year-old was allegedly gang-raped by a group of men who held her in captive in a small temple for several days. The accused drugged her and repeatedly gang-raped her for days before finally killing her with a rock. A day before Union minister Maneka Gandhi also proposed of introducing a death penalty for children before the age of 12 years. I want justice for the 8-year-old at the earliest. This govt will soon bring a law in the state under which people who rape minors will be given death penalty. Entire nation has come with her: Naeem Akhtar, PDP on Kathua rape case pic.twitter.com/1awn8jIgVL — ANI (@ANI) April 14, 2018 ×

J&K to bring law punishing rapists of minors with death: PDP minister

kathua-rape

Kathua Rape, News on Kathua Rape, stories on Kathua Rape, articles on Kathua Rape, Kathua Rape stories at Wion, Kathua Rape news, Kathua Rape latest news

kathua rape