Angry, ashamed and heartbroken is how most of the country is feeling after reading about the horrific rape cases at Unnao and Kathua. As the entire country is collectively demanding strict punishment against the perpetrators, film celebrities have also expressed anguish and anger at the recent incidents of rape and have demanded swift action against the culprits. 
 
Celebrities such as Javed Akhtar, Abhishek Bachchan, Swara Bhaskar and Hansal Mehta took to social media to condemn the two brutal incidents that have shocked the nation.

In Unnao, a teen rape survivor claimed BJP MP Kuldeep Singh Sengar had raped her and the death of her father in police custody. The Yogi Adityanath-led Uttar Pradesh government has filed a first information report (FIR) against Sengar. 
 
In Kathua, an eight-year-old girl was allegedly gang-raped by six men who had held her in captivity in a small temple village for a week in January. She was drugged so that she could be sexually assaulted again before being bludgeoned to death. 
 
Noted screenwriter Javed Akhtar said it was high time that people came forward in support of women rights. 
 
"All those who wish justice for women should stand up and raise their voices against the rapists and their protectors in Unnao and Kathua. 
 
"In Unnao, the brother of the alleged rapist is arrested for beating the father of the rape victim which caused his death. So far police have not taken any action in the rape case. The MLA is walking free and has the audacity to call the victim and her family 'lowly people'," he wrote.

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All those who wish justice for women should stand up and raise their voices against the rapists and their protectors in Unnao and Kathua .
— Javed Akhtar (@Javedakhtarjadu) <a href="https://twitter.com/Javedakhtarjadu/status/983891699830218752?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 11, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Director Hansal Mehta retweeted The New York Times piece which detailed how the 8-year-old's rape and murder led to protests by Hindu nationalists who defended the accused in the case. 
"'Is this nationalism'" Mehta wrote alongside the link.

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Is this nationalism? <a href="https://t.co/vg5BQlpmN6">https://t.co/vg5BQlpmN6</a>
— Hansal Mehta (@mehtahansal) <a href="https://twitter.com/mehtahansal/status/984297475359100928?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 12, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Sonam Kapoor also shared the same article and called out "fake nationals and fake Hindus" in her tweet.

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Ashamed appalled and disgusted by fake nationals and fake Hindus. I cannot believe this is happening in my country. <a href="https://t.co/V8tKoo6viX">https://t.co/V8tKoo6viX</a>
— Sonam Kapoor (@sonamakapoor) <a href="https://twitter.com/sonamakapoor/status/984285672230944768?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 12, 2018</a></blockquote>
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"Ashamed appalled and disgusted by fake nationals and fake Hindus. I cannot believe this is happening in my country," she wrote.

Riteish Deshmukh wrote, "An 8-year-old is drugged, raped & murdered and another one is fighting for justice for herself and the death of her father in custody. We have a choice either raise your voice or be a silent spectator. 'Stand up for what is right even if you are standing alone.' #Kathua #Unnao

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A 8 year old is drugged, raped & murdered and another one is fighting for justice for herself and the death of her father in custody. 
We have a choice either raise your voice or be a silent spectator. 
‘Stand up for what is right even if you are standing alone.’<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Kathua?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Kathua</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Unnao?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Unnao</a>
— Riteish Deshmukh (@Riteishd) <a href="https://twitter.com/Riteishd/status/984296112642142208?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 12, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Filmmaker Shirish Kunder shared a news article and wrote, "Please read this. If your blood boils, please share it. Because at a time when there's a section of people supporting these monsters, it'll mean some humanity is still alive."

Tisca Chopra also tweeted, "So pained to read about #Unnao & #Kathua rapes.. How strongly the government responds will be its true test @PMOIndia... At least I won't vote for them coming elections if they don't take action this time." 
 
Actor Rahul Bose called the incidents "gut-wrenching."&nbsp;"Unimaginable depravity that is disturbing on so many levels. Our response will decide what we have become as a society," Bose added.

Actors Ranvir Shorey and Richa Chadha attacked the people who defended the accused in the name of religion. 
 
"If these people had an iota of reverence and respect for Hinduism, they'd be up in arms against the people who used a temple to torture, rape and murder a child! These are slogans to be used when the people who have committed these crimes are hanged! Utterly appalling that slogans like 'Jai Shri Ram' and 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai' are being used to defend perpetrators of heinous crimes. These vicious beasts will destroy India and Hinduism. Unnao and Kathua," Shorey said.

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These men fast on navratras and pray to Devi Ma-yet they defend a man who plotted the rape,torture and murder of a child inside a temple.LOOK at them,SHAME them. If a stray news report can make credible ppl <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HinduHaters?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HinduHaters</a> why r these <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FakeHindus?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FakeHindus</a> not unemployed?RT A MILLION TIMES <a href="https://t.co/KlToUDA4aV">https://t.co/KlToUDA4aV</a>
— TheRichaChadha (@RichaChadha) <a href="https://twitter.com/RichaChadha/status/984271718519681024?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 12, 2018</a></blockquote>
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"These men fast on Navratras and pray to Devi Ma, yet they defend a man who plotted the rape, torture and murder of a child inside a temple. Look at them, Shame them. If a stray news report can make credible people. Hindu haters why are these fake Hindus not unemployed," Chadha tweeted.

Nimrat Kaur wrote, "Equal rights/gender bias/pay disparity all seem like such distant, first world concerns.Lets begin with addressing the unmentionable horrors of the absence of humanity.The only way forward, if at all, from this blood-curdling barbarism is justice.Heartbroken and aghast."

Film celebrities have expressed anguish and anger at the recent incidents of rape and have demanded swift action against the culprits.

Angry, ashamed and heartbroken is how most of the country is feeling after reading about the horrific rape cases at Unnao and Kathua. As the entire country is collectively demanding strict punishment against the perpetrators, film celebrities have also expressed anguish and anger at the recent incidents of rape and have demanded swift action against the culprits. Celebrities such as Javed Akhtar, Abhishek Bachchan, Swara Bhaskar and Hansal Mehta took to social media to condemn the two brutal incidents that have shocked the nation. In Unnao, a teen rape survivor claimed BJP MP Kuldeep Singh Sengar had raped her and the death of her father in police custody. The Yogi Adityanath-led Uttar Pradesh government has filed a first information report (FIR) against Sengar. In Kathua, an eight-year-old girl was allegedly gang-raped by six men who had held her in captivity in a small temple village for a week in January. She was drugged so that she could be sexually assaulted again before being bludgeoned to death. Noted screenwriter Javed Akhtar said it was high time that people came forward in support of women rights. "All those who wish justice for women should stand up and raise their voices against the rapists and their protectors in Unnao and Kathua. "In Unnao, the brother of the alleged rapist is arrested for beating the father of the rape victim which caused his death. So far police have not taken any action in the rape case. The MLA is walking free and has the audacity to call the victim and her family 'lowly people'," he wrote. All those who wish justice for women should stand up and raise their voices against the rapists and their protectors in Unnao and Kathua . — Javed Akhtar (@Javedakhtarjadu) April 11, 2018 × Director Hansal Mehta retweeted The New York Times piece which detailed how the 8-year-old's rape and murder led to protests by Hindu nationalists who defended the accused in the case. "'Is this nationalism'" Mehta wrote alongside the link. Is this nationalism? https://t.co/vg5BQlpmN6 — Hansal Mehta (@mehtahansal) April 12, 2018 × Sonam Kapoor also shared the same article and called out "fake nationals and fake Hindus" in her tweet. Ashamed appalled and disgusted by fake nationals and fake Hindus. I cannot believe this is happening in my country. https://t.co/V8tKoo6viX — Sonam Kapoor (@sonamakapoor) April 12, 2018 × "Ashamed appalled and disgusted by fake nationals and fake Hindus. I cannot believe this is happening in my country," she wrote. Riteish Deshmukh wrote, "An 8-year-old is drugged, raped & murdered and another one is fighting for justice for herself and the death of her father in custody. We have a choice either raise your voice or be a silent spectator. 'Stand up for what is right even if you are standing alone.' #Kathua #Unnao A 8 year old is drugged, raped & murdered and another one is fighting for justice for herself and the death of her father in custody. We have a choice either raise your voice or be a silent spectator. ‘Stand up for what is right even if you are standing alone.’#Kathua #Unnao — Riteish Deshmukh (@Riteishd) April 12, 2018 × Filmmaker Shirish Kunder shared a news article and wrote, "Please read this. If your blood boils, please share it. Because at a time when there's a section of people supporting these monsters, it'll mean some humanity is still alive." Tisca Chopra also tweeted, "So pained to read about #Unnao & #Kathua rapes.. How strongly the government responds will be its true test @PMOIndia... At least I won't vote for them coming elections if they don't take action this time." Actor Rahul Bose called the incidents "gut-wrenching." "Unimaginable depravity that is disturbing on so many levels. Our response will decide what we have become as a society," Bose added. Actors Ranvir Shorey and Richa Chadha attacked the people who defended the accused in the name of religion. "If these people had an iota of reverence and respect for Hinduism, they'd be up in arms against the people who used a temple to torture, rape and murder a child! These are slogans to be used when the people who have committed these crimes are hanged! Utterly appalling that slogans like 'Jai Shri Ram' and 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai' are being used to defend perpetrators of heinous crimes. These vicious beasts will destroy India and Hinduism. Unnao and Kathua," Shorey said. These men fast on navratras and pray to Devi Ma-yet they defend a man who plotted the rape,torture and murder of a child inside a temple.LOOK at them,SHAME them. If a stray news report can make credible ppl #HinduHaters why r these #FakeHindus not unemployed?RT A MILLION TIMES https://t.co/KlToUDA4aV — TheRichaChadha (@RichaChadha) April 12, 2018 × "These men fast on Navratras and pray to Devi Ma, yet they defend a man who plotted the rape, torture and murder of a child inside a temple. Look at them, Shame them. If a stray news report can make credible people. Hindu haters why are these fake Hindus not unemployed," Chadha tweeted. Nimrat Kaur wrote, "Equal rights/gender bias/pay disparity all seem like such distant, first world concerns.Lets begin with addressing the unmentionable horrors of the absence of humanity.The only way forward, if at all, from this blood-curdling barbarism is justice.Heartbroken and aghast."

'If you don’t feel her terror, you are not human': Bollywood demands justice in Unnao, Kathua rape cases

Reacting to the gruesome rape of an eight-year-old girl in Kathua Jammu and Kashmir, Union Minister VK Singh tweeted on Thursday saying " We have failed as humans".

He further demanded punishment for the accused involved and assured that she will not be denied justice

The eight-year-old was allegedly&nbsp;gang-raped by six 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.

The charge sheet filed against the six involved, states that one of the police officers asked the killer to wait before smashing her with the&nbsp;rock so that he could rape her for the last time.

The body of the girl was found in the forests on January 17 while she was kidnapped from her village on January 10.

Six people including two policemen have been arrested in the rape and murder of the girl.

The crime was planned to&nbsp;instil fear among the community, Bakherwas nomads, which the girl belonged to.&nbsp;

VK Singh is the first Union Minister to have spoken demanding a justice for the girl.

Earlier BJP leader Jitendra Singh backed the accused involved in the terrifying incident saying&nbsp;"Those who have not done anything wrong should be given justice". He also demanded a CBI inquiry into the incident.

Sanji Ram is the main accused in the case. The others arrested include special police officers Deepak Khajuria and Surender Verma, Parvesh Kumaru, Sanji Ram's minor nephew and his son Vishal Jangotra.

Some reports also suggest that two policemen also tried to manipulate evidence in order to help the accused.

&nbsp;

'She will not be denied justice,' Singh added. Eight-year-old was allegedly gang-raped by six men who held her captive in a temple for several days

Reacting to the gruesome rape of an eight-year-old girl in Kathua Jammu and Kashmir, Union Minister VK Singh tweeted on Thursday saying " We have failed as humans". He further demanded punishment for the accused involved and assured that she will not be denied justice The eight-year-old was allegedly gang-raped by six 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. The charge sheet filed against the six involved, states that one of the police officers asked the killer to wait before smashing her with the rock so that he could rape her for the last time. The body of the girl was found in the forests on January 17 while she was kidnapped from her village on January 10. Six people including two policemen have been arrested in the rape and murder of the girl. The crime was planned to instil fear among the community, Bakherwas nomads, which the girl belonged to. VK Singh is the first Union Minister to have spoken demanding a justice for the girl. Earlier BJP leader Jitendra Singh backed the accused involved in the terrifying incident saying "Those who have not done anything wrong should be given justice". He also demanded a CBI inquiry into the incident. Sanji Ram is the main accused in the case. The others arrested include special police officers Deepak Khajuria and Surender Verma, Parvesh Kumaru, Sanji Ram's minor nephew and his son Vishal Jangotra. Some reports also suggest that two policemen also tried to manipulate evidence in order to help the accused.

Kathua child gang rape: 'We have failed her as humans,' says VK Singh

It's a season of kitschy symbolism in Bollywood with celebrities after celebrities posting pictures with placards that say "I am ashamed", and demanding justice for an eight-year-old girl who was gangraped and murdered in Kathua. The wordings, style, tonality and content of the placards being the same through all the celebrities.

The trend is not limited to the Bollywood alone most of the celebrities from different walks of life have been pronouncing the arrested people as 'rapists' and the temple as the 'scene of crime'. Adding the prefix "alleged" or using the word "suspect" has gone out of fashion in the new secular consciousness.

The purpose of the above act of the Bollywood celebrities is noble and the symbolism isn't lost on anyone. Yet, the choice of words and the absence of sensibilities are appalling. It betrays not only a lack of research on the subject but also a fanatic avidity to pass judgement on blinkered notions. This is bigotry of another kind where a hearsay verdict is to be hurriedly delivered on the basis of one-sided accounts. No counter view is to be honoured even for the sake of balance, let alone for the sake of justice.

It's important to find out who's behind this orchestrated campaign that passes judgement on a place of worship even without a trial, and defames it without any consideration of the basic principles of natural justice.

Let's try to understand the complex social-demographic reality of Kathua, which goes to explain the contextuality of the episode and its fallout.

Kathua - or for that matter, whole of Jammu, Udhampur, Samba etc - has become an unfortunate battleground of a desperate social and demographic strife where constant grabbing (and also, purchasing) of forest lands by the Gujjar-Bakherwal settlers and the state government's alleged support to it, has created a deep suspicion in the minds of the locals who believe that the government is trying to change the demographic character of the region.

This, together with illegal presence of thousands of Rohingyas in Jammu region, is a thorn in the flesh of the psyche of the local people. And the fact that these Rohingyas have Aadhaar and ration cards raises questions on the role of local government.

Further, the Rohingyas are believed to have close ties with ISI. But no one knows how many of these settlers are having direct linkages with the ISI. It's a well-known fact that ISI is constantly evolving ideas to create disturbances in the Jammu region. Investigating agencies probing the recent attack on an Army camp in Sunjuwan are looking at the local support angle and the presence of Rohingya camps nearby might come under the scanner.

In the given scenario, the apprehension that ISI may be playing on this communal tension in the region by hatching a plot to get the girl killed and planting it on a temple, needs to be ruled out. It is apprehended by many local residents that the Rohingya may come as a handy tool to be used for such acts. Various reports have appeared in the media that have confirmed the presence of Rohingyas in the village where the girl was killed. Hence, it's important to allay the fears of the local people by getting to the bottom of the controversy through a fair inquiry.

Further, the circumstantial evidences of the murder create suspicion in the J&K government's chargesheet, which has been prepared by a SIT drawing police officials with dubious records. Using a temple for such a heinous act, and that too by an old man in mid-sixties, and that again for seven days - all create ample suspicions. The locals say that the 'Devisthaan' is a prayer hall with no locking facility and hence it is pretty impossible to keep somebody locked and sedated for seven days in the temple, which was regularly being visited by the devotees all throughout the period due to the festival of Makar Sankranti at the time of the alleged incident.

None of us, including the Bollywood celebrities, know what's the reality. Then what's the hurry to jump the gun and to declare somebody a culprit and drag a temple in the act even without a trial? Hasn't the Bollywood erred in pronouncing the Devisthaan to be a scene of crime even without an investigation? Wouldn't it be a good idea to be patient in passing a verdict until the matter was investigated in a free, fair and impartial manner?

Even more atrocious is the attempt to portray the local Kathua demonstrators as rape apologists. They're not. They're equally horrified by the crime. They're saying the same thing that the celebrities are saying - hold a fair investigation, a fair trial and give harshest possible punishment to the culprits, and for that, a CBI enquiry is needed to find out who the culprits really are. This is indeed required because the J&K Police, like the state police elsewhere, is known for its pliability, inefficiency and corruption.

Chances maybe that the persons arrested are the real culprits. But isn't it wise to give them a fair chance before hanging?

We know how state police conducts investigations and invent 'criminals' - remember Ryan International case of Gurgaon, how the bus driver was declared accused and how people were baying for his blood. However, a CBI inquiry proved him innocent. Thus, baying for the blood of the accused ones on the basis of the local police chargesheet, is nothing but a blunder in view of various counter evidences being floated.

The SIT made indiscriminate arrests of locals and subjected them to various forms of torture. People of the village in Kathua have never had such a harrowing experience ever in the past and are terrified. Many have left their village fearing even more trouble. These people are peaceful communities that hold their temples very precious. But, already their sense of pride is under attack.

Thus, asking for a CBI investigation by the Kathua demonstrators is nowhere an atrocious demand. It's rather the most appropriate act in the given circumstance. Maybe, for the first time ever, I have seen anyone asking for a CBI inquiry and being castigated for it. If Unnao rape case can be handed over to the CBI, why can't the Kathua case go to the same agency, especially when so many doubts have been raised on the composition and intention of the SIT?

Hence, for the Bollywood celebrities, the symbolism wouldn't have lost if they hadn't passed judgment on the 'Devisthaan' that demeaned it and, instead, had asked for a CBI inquiry to clear the air once for all.

I'm an Indian and I want justice for the girl through a CBI enquiry. What about you?

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Kathua - or for that matter, whole of Jammu, Udhampur, Samba etc - has become an unfortunate battleground of a desperate social and demographic strife.

It's a season of kitschy symbolism in Bollywood with celebrities after celebrities posting pictures with placards that say "I am ashamed", and demanding justice for an eight-year-old girl who was gangraped and murdered in Kathua. The wordings, style, tonality and content of the placards being the same through all the celebrities. The trend is not limited to the Bollywood alone most of the celebrities from different walks of life have been pronouncing the arrested people as 'rapists' and the temple as the 'scene of crime'. Adding the prefix "alleged" or using the word "suspect" has gone out of fashion in the new secular consciousness. The purpose of the above act of the Bollywood celebrities is noble and the symbolism isn't lost on anyone. Yet, the choice of words and the absence of sensibilities are appalling. It betrays not only a lack of research on the subject but also a fanatic avidity to pass judgement on blinkered notions. This is bigotry of another kind where a hearsay verdict is to be hurriedly delivered on the basis of one-sided accounts. No counter view is to be honoured even for the sake of balance, let alone for the sake of justice. It's important to find out who's behind this orchestrated campaign that passes judgement on a place of worship even without a trial, and defames it without any consideration of the basic principles of natural justice. Let's try to understand the complex social-demographic reality of Kathua, which goes to explain the contextuality of the episode and its fallout. Kathua - or for that matter, whole of Jammu, Udhampur, Samba etc - has become an unfortunate battleground of a desperate social and demographic strife where constant grabbing (and also, purchasing) of forest lands by the Gujjar-Bakherwal settlers and the state government's alleged support to it, has created a deep suspicion in the minds of the locals who believe that the government is trying to change the demographic character of the region. This, together with illegal presence of thousands of Rohingyas in Jammu region, is a thorn in the flesh of the psyche of the local people. And the fact that these Rohingyas have Aadhaar and ration cards raises questions on the role of local government. Further, the Rohingyas are believed to have close ties with ISI. But no one knows how many of these settlers are having direct linkages with the ISI. It's a well-known fact that ISI is constantly evolving ideas to create disturbances in the Jammu region. Investigating agencies probing the recent attack on an Army camp in Sunjuwan are looking at the local support angle and the presence of Rohingya camps nearby might come under the scanner. In the given scenario, the apprehension that ISI may be playing on this communal tension in the region by hatching a plot to get the girl killed and planting it on a temple, needs to be ruled out. It is apprehended by many local residents that the Rohingya may come as a handy tool to be used for such acts. Various reports have appeared in the media that have confirmed the presence of Rohingyas in the village where the girl was killed. Hence, it's important to allay the fears of the local people by getting to the bottom of the controversy through a fair inquiry. Further, the circumstantial evidences of the murder create suspicion in the J&K government's chargesheet, which has been prepared by a SIT drawing police officials with dubious records. Using a temple for such a heinous act, and that too by an old man in mid-sixties, and that again for seven days - all create ample suspicions. The locals say that the 'Devisthaan' is a prayer hall with no locking facility and hence it is pretty impossible to keep somebody locked and sedated for seven days in the temple, which was regularly being visited by the devotees all throughout the period due to the festival of Makar Sankranti at the time of the alleged incident. None of us, including the Bollywood celebrities, know what's the reality. Then what's the hurry to jump the gun and to declare somebody a culprit and drag a temple in the act even without a trial? Hasn't the Bollywood erred in pronouncing the Devisthaan to be a scene of crime even without an investigation? Wouldn't it be a good idea to be patient in passing a verdict until the matter was investigated in a free, fair and impartial manner? Even more atrocious is the attempt to portray the local Kathua demonstrators as rape apologists. They're not. They're equally horrified by the crime. They're saying the same thing that the celebrities are saying - hold a fair investigation, a fair trial and give harshest possible punishment to the culprits, and for that, a CBI enquiry is needed to find out who the culprits really are. This is indeed required because the J&K Police, like the state police elsewhere, is known for its pliability, inefficiency and corruption. Chances maybe that the persons arrested are the real culprits. But isn't it wise to give them a fair chance before hanging? We know how state police conducts investigations and invent 'criminals' - remember Ryan International case of Gurgaon, how the bus driver was declared accused and how people were baying for his blood. However, a CBI inquiry proved him innocent. Thus, baying for the blood of the accused ones on the basis of the local police chargesheet, is nothing but a blunder in view of various counter evidences being floated. The SIT made indiscriminate arrests of locals and subjected them to various forms of torture. People of the village in Kathua have never had such a harrowing experience ever in the past and are terrified. Many have left their village fearing even more trouble. These people are peaceful communities that hold their temples very precious. But, already their sense of pride is under attack. Thus, asking for a CBI investigation by the Kathua demonstrators is nowhere an atrocious demand. It's rather the most appropriate act in the given circumstance. Maybe, for the first time ever, I have seen anyone asking for a CBI inquiry and being castigated for it. If Unnao rape case can be handed over to the CBI, why can't the Kathua case go to the same agency, especially when so many doubts have been raised on the composition and intention of the SIT? Hence, for the Bollywood celebrities, the symbolism wouldn't have lost if they hadn't passed judgment on the 'Devisthaan' that demeaned it and, instead, had asked for a CBI inquiry to clear the air once for all. I'm an Indian and I want justice for the girl through a CBI enquiry. What about you? (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: The Kathua case and Bollywood's pernicious symbolism

In a new twist, a Pakistani-origin peer on Monday raised the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/kathua-child-gang-rape-we-have-failed-her-as-humans-says-vk-singh-130083">rape and murder of the eight-year-old child in Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua</a>&nbsp;in the UK parliament.

Appealing the UK government to intervene, the Pakistani-origin peer Lord Ahmed asked the House of Lords to bring the "perpetrators of human rights abuses in the region to justice".&nbsp;

Lord Ahmed is a staunch critic of the Indian government.&nbsp;

Speaking on behalf of the British government, Baroness Stedman-Scott responded to his request by assuring that India has a strong democratic framework which guarantees human rights.

She added, "But we do acknowledge it does face numerous challenges relating to its size and development when it comes to enforcing fundamental rights enshrined in its Constitution".

She also expressed her condolences to the families of the victims and asserted that Prime Minister Modi has promised&nbsp;justice to the family.&nbsp;

The eight-year-old from Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua was&nbsp;gang raped and was brutally murdered leading to large-scale protests in the&nbsp;country.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Appealing the UK government to intervene, the Pakistani-origin peer Lord Ahmed asked the House of Lords to bring the 'perpetrators of Human rights abuses in the region to justice'

In a new twist, a Pakistani-origin peer on Monday raised the rape and murder of the eight-year-old child in Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua in the UK parliament. Appealing the UK government to intervene, the Pakistani-origin peer Lord Ahmed asked the House of Lords to bring the "perpetrators of human rights abuses in the region to justice". Lord Ahmed is a staunch critic of the Indian government. Speaking on behalf of the British government, Baroness Stedman-Scott responded to his request by assuring that India has a strong democratic framework which guarantees human rights. She added, "But we do acknowledge it does face numerous challenges relating to its size and development when it comes to enforcing fundamental rights enshrined in its Constitution". She also expressed her condolences to the families of the victims and asserted that Prime Minister Modi has promised justice to the family. The eight-year-old from Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua was gang raped and was brutally murdered leading to large-scale protests in the country.

Pakistani-origin peer Lord Ahmed asks UK Parliament to intervene in Kathua rape case

The trial in the gang-rape and murder case against eight accused men who allegedly drugged, tortured and gang-raped an 8-year-old girl in a village temple in Kathua for a week, began today.

The accused pleaded not guilty and asked the district and sessions judge for a narco test.

The counsel for the accused said that the court had directed that all the accused be provided with copies of the chargesheet and that the defence was ready for the narco tests.

District and Sessions Judge Sanjay Gupta asked the state Crime Branch to give copies of the chargesheet to the accused and fixed April 28 as the next date of hearing.&nbsp;

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Court directed that chargesheet copies should be provided to all accused, we are ready for narco tests. Next date of hearing is April 28: Ankur Sharma, Counsel for accused. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KathuaCase?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KathuaCase</a> <a href="https://t.co/71bLDJS1St">pic.twitter.com/71bLDJS1St</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/985754354153152512?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 16, 2018</a></blockquote>
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"Everything will be clear after the Narco test," one of the accused said after the hearing at the district court.

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Everything will be clear after Narco test: One of the accused in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Kathua?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Kathua</a> case after hearing at District Court <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JammuAndKashmir?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JammuAndKashmir</a> <a href="https://t.co/r8L0tvEsu0">pic.twitter.com/r8L0tvEsu0</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/985753045689602048?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 16, 2018</a></blockquote>
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While seven accused were presented before the district and sessions judge, the eighth is a juvenile who moved a bail application before a judicial magistrate. The application will be heard later today.

The family of the victim has, meanwhile, filed a petition in the Supreme Court asking for security and for the case to be transferred outside Kathua. The top court will hear the case at 2:00 pm.

Two police complaints have been filed in the case, one against the eight people allegedly accused of gang-raping the girl and the other against a group of lawyers who had allegedly stopped the police from filing chargesheet against the eight accused.

According to the charge sheets filed by the crime branch, the abduction, rape and killing of the Bakerwal girl was part of a carefully planned strategy to remove the minority nomadic community from the area.

It lists the caretaker of 'Devisthan', a small temple, in a village in Kathua, about 90 km from here, as the main conspirator behind the crime.

Sanji Ram was allegedly joined by special police officers Deepak Khajuria and Surender Verma, friend Parvesh Kumar alias Mannu, Ram's nephew, a juvenile, and his son Vishal Jangotra alias "Shamma".

The charge sheet also names investigating officers head constable Tilak Raj and Sub-Inspector Anand Dutta, who allegedly took Rs 4 lakh from Ram and destroyed crucial evidence.

All eight are under arrest.

The Jammu and Kashmir government has reportedly appointed two special public prosecutors, both Sikhs, for the trial in the sensitive case. The move is being seen as an effort to ensure there is "neutrality" in view of the possibility of Hindu-Muslim polarisation over the case.

Two Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) ministers leaders, Chandra Prakash Ganga and Lal Singh, have also resigned following accusations that they attended a rally in support of the miscreants responsible for the crime.

The alleged gangrape and murder of the girl, who belonged to nomadic Muslim community, took place in the Kathua district in January. After being missing for a week, her body was found on January 17.&nbsp;

Details of the rape-murder revealed in the charge sheet triggered public and political outrage and exposed cracks in the state's ruling coalition.

(With inputs from agencies)

The accused pleaded not guilty and asked the district and sessions judge for a narco test

The trial in the gang-rape and murder case against eight accused men who allegedly drugged, tortured and gang-raped an 8-year-old girl in a village temple in Kathua for a week, began today. The accused pleaded not guilty and asked the district and sessions judge for a narco test. The counsel for the accused said that the court had directed that all the accused be provided with copies of the chargesheet and that the defence was ready for the narco tests. District and Sessions Judge Sanjay Gupta asked the state Crime Branch to give copies of the chargesheet to the accused and fixed April 28 as the next date of hearing. Court directed that chargesheet copies should be provided to all accused, we are ready for narco tests. Next date of hearing is April 28: Ankur Sharma, Counsel for accused. #KathuaCase pic.twitter.com/71bLDJS1St — ANI (@ANI) April 16, 2018 × "Everything will be clear after the Narco test," one of the accused said after the hearing at the district court. Everything will be clear after Narco test: One of the accused in #Kathua case after hearing at District Court #JammuAndKashmir pic.twitter.com/r8L0tvEsu0 — ANI (@ANI) April 16, 2018 × While seven accused were presented before the district and sessions judge, the eighth is a juvenile who moved a bail application before a judicial magistrate. The application will be heard later today. The family of the victim has, meanwhile, filed a petition in the Supreme Court asking for security and for the case to be transferred outside Kathua. The top court will hear the case at 2:00 pm. Two police complaints have been filed in the case, one against the eight people allegedly accused of gang-raping the girl and the other against a group of lawyers who had allegedly stopped the police from filing chargesheet against the eight accused. According to the charge sheets filed by the crime branch, the abduction, rape and killing of the Bakerwal girl was part of a carefully planned strategy to remove the minority nomadic community from the area. It lists the caretaker of 'Devisthan', a small temple, in a village in Kathua, about 90 km from here, as the main conspirator behind the crime. Sanji Ram was allegedly joined by special police officers Deepak Khajuria and Surender Verma, friend Parvesh Kumar alias Mannu, Ram's nephew, a juvenile, and his son Vishal Jangotra alias "Shamma". The charge sheet also names investigating officers head constable Tilak Raj and Sub-Inspector Anand Dutta, who allegedly took Rs 4 lakh from Ram and destroyed crucial evidence. All eight are under arrest. The Jammu and Kashmir government has reportedly appointed two special public prosecutors, both Sikhs, for the trial in the sensitive case. The move is being seen as an effort to ensure there is "neutrality" in view of the possibility of Hindu-Muslim polarisation over the case. Two Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) ministers leaders, Chandra Prakash Ganga and Lal Singh, have also resigned following accusations that they attended a rally in support of the miscreants responsible for the crime. The alleged gangrape and murder of the girl, who belonged to nomadic Muslim community, took place in the Kathua district in January. After being missing for a week, her body was found on January 17. Details of the rape-murder revealed in the charge sheet triggered public and political outrage and exposed cracks in the state's ruling coalition. (With inputs from agencies)

Kathua gang rape accused plead not guilty, ask for narco tests

The Bar Association Kathua (BAK) on Sunday withdrew its offer to contest without charge the case of the eight people accused in the rape and murder case of an eight-year-old Muslim girl in the district.

The BAK's decision comes a day after the Supreme Court took a serious note of lawyers obstructing the judicial process and initiated a case on its own accord saying such impeding of the process of law "affects the delivery of justice".

The top court said that lawyers' bodies have a solemn duty to not obstruct advocates representing the accused or the victims' family in courts.

"We have withdrawn our offer to contest the case free of cost. Accused are free to engage any individual advocate and exercise their respective rights of defence in the court. It is for any individual advocate to accept the brief and the bar association will not come in the way of defence nor will hamper the prosecution," BAK president Kirty Bhushan Mahajan said.

Mahajan said after going through the charge sheet presented by the Crime Branch, it is revealed that the allegations against the accused persons are very grave and this case is to be dealt with in a professional way.

Claiming that the association members never obstructed the Crime Branch from filing the charge sheet against the accused, he announced an end to the agitation in support of the demand for a CBI probe but said the same probe would be made in legal manner before the court as per applicable law.

"The CBI investigation was demanded to find out and bring on surface as to who actually had started playing communal card during the entire period of time. We want justice to the poor departed soul whereas it is evident that the fringe elements are making it communal under an agenda," he said.

However, the bar will explore the legal option for CBI probe so that the real culprits (may be they are the same as mentioned in charge sheet of crime branch) are punished with the capital punishment and nothing less than that.

Distancing the association with the Hindu Ekta Manch, he said the bar has no "direct or indirect association" with the self-styled Manch.

The Kathua Bar Association's (BAK) decision comes a day after the Supreme Court took a serious note of lawyers obstructing the judicial process and initiated a case on its own accord saying such impeding of the process of law "affects the delivery of justice".

The Bar Association Kathua (BAK) on Sunday withdrew its offer to contest without charge the case of the eight people accused in the rape and murder case of an eight-year-old Muslim girl in the district. The BAK's decision comes a day after the Supreme Court took a serious note of lawyers obstructing the judicial process and initiated a case on its own accord saying such impeding of the process of law "affects the delivery of justice". The top court said that lawyers' bodies have a solemn duty to not obstruct advocates representing the accused or the victims' family in courts. "We have withdrawn our offer to contest the case free of cost. Accused are free to engage any individual advocate and exercise their respective rights of defence in the court. It is for any individual advocate to accept the brief and the bar association will not come in the way of defence nor will hamper the prosecution," BAK president Kirty Bhushan Mahajan said. Mahajan said after going through the charge sheet presented by the Crime Branch, it is revealed that the allegations against the accused persons are very grave and this case is to be dealt with in a professional way. Claiming that the association members never obstructed the Crime Branch from filing the charge sheet against the accused, he announced an end to the agitation in support of the demand for a CBI probe but said the same probe would be made in legal manner before the court as per applicable law. "The CBI investigation was demanded to find out and bring on surface as to who actually had started playing communal card during the entire period of time. We want justice to the poor departed soul whereas it is evident that the fringe elements are making it communal under an agenda," he said. However, the bar will explore the legal option for CBI probe so that the real culprits (may be they are the same as mentioned in charge sheet of crime branch) are punished with the capital punishment and nothing less than that. Distancing the association with the Hindu Ekta Manch, he said the bar has no "direct or indirect association" with the self-styled Manch.

Kathua Bar Association withdraws offer to contest rape accused's case for free

The Bar Council of India (BCI) on Sunday asked the Bar Association of Jammu (BAJ) to call off its strike.

It further announced that it will constitute a five-member team to probe the conduct of the association in the Kathua rape and murder case.

The team will visit Kathua and Jammu and will talk to people about the conduct of Bar Association.

The committee will submit the report to the Bar Council which will further submit the report to Supreme Court on April 19.

The chairman of the Bar Council of India also said that "If any lawyer is found guilty in the case, we have the rights to cancel their license for a lifetime".

An FIR was registered against the lawyers who had tried to block the filing of a charge sheet by the Crime Branch against the people involved in&nbsp;Kathua rape case.

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The chairman of the Bar Council of India also said that 'If any lawyer is found guilty in the case, we have the rights to cancel their license for a lifetime'

The Bar Council of India (BCI) on Sunday asked the Bar Association of Jammu (BAJ) to call off its strike. It further announced that it will constitute a five-member team to probe the conduct of the association in the Kathua rape and murder case. The team will visit Kathua and Jammu and will talk to people about the conduct of Bar Association. The committee will submit the report to the Bar Council which will further submit the report to Supreme Court on April 19. The chairman of the Bar Council of India also said that "If any lawyer is found guilty in the case, we have the rights to cancel their license for a lifetime". An FIR was registered against the lawyers who had tried to block the filing of a charge sheet by the Crime Branch against the people involved in Kathua rape case.

Kathua gang rape: Bar Council of India to probe Jammu lawyers' conduct

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-envoy-to-pakistan-not-allowed-to-meet-sikh-pilgrims-india-lodges-protests-130568">Indian envoy to Pakistan not allowed to meet Sikh pilgrims, India lodges protests</a>

India today lodged a strong protest with Pakistan over blocking of access of visiting Sikh pilgrims to Indian diplomats in that country and even "compelling" the Indian envoy to return while on way to a prominent gurudwara there.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/jk-cm-mehbooba-mufti-accepts-resignation-of-bjp-state-ministers-130581">J&K CM Mehbooba Mufti accepts resignations of 2 BJP ministers</a>

The Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mehbooba Mufti has accepted&nbspthe resignation of BJP state ministers Chandra Prakash Ganga and Lal&nbspSingh.&nbsp

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistani-soldiers-killed-in-attack-at-afghanistan-border-130604">Pakistani soldiers killed in attack at Afghanistan border</a>

Two Pakistani soldiers were killed in cross-border fire from Afghanistan while working on a fence intended to cover nearly all of the disputed 2,500km border separating the countries, the Pakistani military said on Sunday.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/pope-deeply-disturbed-by-lack-of-efforts-to-bring-peace-to-syria-130584">Pope deeply disturbed by lack of efforts to bring peace to Syria</a>

Pope Francis called on world leaders on Sunday to renew efforts to bring peace to Syria, saying he was deeply troubled by their failure to agree on a joint plan to end the bloodshed.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-gunmen-open-fire-at-home-of-supreme-court-judge-130560">Pakistan: Gunmen open fire at home of Supreme Court judge</a>

Unidentified gunmen opened fire at the residence of Pakistan's Supreme Court judge Ijaz ul Ahsan here in two separate incidents only hours apart, media reports said today.

&nbsp

&nbsp

Indian envoy to Pakistan not allowed to meet Sikh pilgrims, India lodges protests India today lodged a strong protest with Pakistan over blocking of access of visiting Sikh pilgrims to Indian diplomats in that country and even "compelling" the Indian envoy to return while on way to a prominent gurudwara there. J&K CM Mehbooba Mufti accepts resignations of 2 BJP ministers The Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mehbooba Mufti has accepted&nbspthe resignation of BJP state ministers Chandra Prakash Ganga and Lal&nbspSingh. Pakistani soldiers killed in attack at Afghanistan border Two Pakistani soldiers were killed in cross-border fire from Afghanistan while working on a fence intended to cover nearly all of the disputed 2,500km border separating the countries, the Pakistani military said on Sunday. Pope deeply disturbed by lack of efforts to bring peace to Syria Pope Francis called on world leaders on Sunday to renew efforts to bring peace to Syria, saying he was deeply troubled by their failure to agree on a joint plan to end the bloodshed. Pakistan: Gunmen open fire at home of Supreme Court judge Unidentified gunmen opened fire at the residence of Pakistan's Supreme Court judge Ijaz ul Ahsan here in two separate incidents only hours apart, media reports said today.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Chandra Prakash Ganga, one of the two BJP ministers who defended the men accused in the Kathua gang-rape case, resigned earlier today. Ganga stated that his resignation did not come under any pressure but in order to save the "image" of his party.&nbsp;

Ganga further added that he has "never done politics for power".

"I have demanded a CBI enquiry in this matter. I have never done politics for power. There was no pressure on me to resign, I have done it by myself. If my resignation can save the image of my party, I will give this sacrifice," Ganga told reporters.&nbsp;

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I have demanded a CBI enquiry in this matter (Kathua rape & murder case). I have never done politics for power. There was no pressure on me to resign, I have done it by myself. If my resignation can save the image of my party, I will give this sacrifice: Chandra Prakash Ganga <a href="https://t.co/fvQr6kM9FB">pic.twitter.com/fvQr6kM9FB</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/985114078225096704?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 14, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Meanwhile, reports suggest that the two BJP ministers handed in their resignations owing to mounting public pressure. The Mufti-led government demanded their resignation.

According to senior BJP leader Ram Madhav, the resignation of the ministers was to address the fears of not only its ally PDP and the people of Jammu and Kashmir but also the entire nation.

Madhav, who is the party's general secretary in-charge of the state, said state party president Sat Sharma will send the resignations to the chief minister.

Forest Minister Lal Singh and Industries Minister Chander Prakash Ganga tendered their resignations in view of a perception being created, he said. Both the ministers had addressed a rally in support of the accused by a group called the Hindu Ekta Manch.

Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti had condemned the march.

"Appalled by the marches and protests in defence of the recently apprehended rapist in Kathua. Also horrified by their use of our national flag in these demonstrations, this is nothing short of desecration. The accused has been arrested and the law will follow its course," Mufti tweeted.

(With inputs from PTI)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Chandra Prakash Ganga further added that he has 'never done politics for power'

Chandra Prakash Ganga, one of the two BJP ministers who defended the men accused in the Kathua gang-rape case, resigned earlier today. Ganga stated that his resignation did not come under any pressure but in order to save the "image" of his party. Ganga further added that he has "never done politics for power". "I have demanded a CBI enquiry in this matter. I have never done politics for power. There was no pressure on me to resign, I have done it by myself. If my resignation can save the image of my party, I will give this sacrifice," Ganga told reporters. I have demanded a CBI enquiry in this matter (Kathua rape & murder case). I have never done politics for power. There was no pressure on me to resign, I have done it by myself. If my resignation can save the image of my party, I will give this sacrifice: Chandra Prakash Ganga pic.twitter.com/fvQr6kM9FB — ANI (@ANI) April 14, 2018 × Meanwhile, reports suggest that the two BJP ministers handed in their resignations owing to mounting public pressure. The Mufti-led government demanded their resignation. According to senior BJP leader Ram Madhav, the resignation of the ministers was to address the fears of not only its ally PDP and the people of Jammu and Kashmir but also the entire nation. Madhav, who is the party's general secretary in-charge of the state, said state party president Sat Sharma will send the resignations to the chief minister. Forest Minister Lal Singh and Industries Minister Chander Prakash Ganga tendered their resignations in view of a perception being created, he said. Both the ministers had addressed a rally in support of the accused by a group called the Hindu Ekta Manch. Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti had condemned the march. "Appalled by the marches and protests in defence of the recently apprehended rapist in Kathua. Also horrified by their use of our national flag in these demonstrations, this is nothing short of desecration. The accused has been arrested and the law will follow its course," Mufti tweeted. (With inputs from PTI)

My resignation can save image of party: BJP minister who backed Kathua accused

The resignations of two BJP ministers, who courted controversy by attending a rally supporting those accused of raping and killing a young girl in Kathua, will be handed over to Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti for further action, said senior BJP leader Ram Madhav.

The senior BJP leader said the resignation of the ministers was to address the fears of not only its ally PDP and the people of Jammu and Kashmir but also the entire nation.

Madhav, who is the party's general secretary in-charge of the state, also said that the state government was told to withdraw the directive of the tribal affairs department on encroachments by nomads in forest land.

Madhav, who attened the legislative party meeting of the state BJP MLAs and MLC, said state party president Sat Sharma will send the resignations to the chief minister.

Forest Minister Lal Singh and Industries Minister Chander Prakash Ganga tendered their resignation in view of a perception being created, he said.

He lashed out at the Congress, alleging that it was trying to politicise the issue which should not be done.

"We, including the BJP which is in the government, will ensure justice for the girl and punishment for the culprits," he said.

Asked about the demand for a CBI probe into the incident, the BJP leader said, "The police have completed the probe and now it is in the court of law. It is for the court to decide."

Ganga and Singh had hit out at the police for arresting "one or the other person at will" in connection with the rape and killing of the 8-year-old girl in January this year.

Asking why the probe was not being handed over to the CBI, Lal Singh had said, "We too want that the real accused be punished... We have heard you. We will not allow this jungle raj, under which they (police) are picking up people at will, to continue. What kind of investigation are they doing?

The 'Hindu Ekta Manch', from which the BJP distanced itself, had also taken out a rally holding a tricolour to press for their demand.

The incident and use of national flag had evoked sharp reaction from Mufti.

"Appalled by the marches and protests in defence of the recently apprehended rapist in Kathua. Also horrified by their use of our national flag in these demonstrations, this is nothing short of desecration. The accused has been arrested and the law will follow its course," she tweeted.&nbsp;

The senior BJP leader said the resignation of the ministers was to address the fears of not only its ally PDP and the people of Jammu and Kashmir but also the entire nation

The resignations of two BJP ministers, who courted controversy by attending a rally supporting those accused of raping and killing a young girl in Kathua, will be handed over to Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti for further action, said senior BJP leader Ram Madhav. The senior BJP leader said the resignation of the ministers was to address the fears of not only its ally PDP and the people of Jammu and Kashmir but also the entire nation. Madhav, who is the party's general secretary in-charge of the state, also said that the state government was told to withdraw the directive of the tribal affairs department on encroachments by nomads in forest land. Madhav, who attened the legislative party meeting of the state BJP MLAs and MLC, said state party president Sat Sharma will send the resignations to the chief minister. Forest Minister Lal Singh and Industries Minister Chander Prakash Ganga tendered their resignation in view of a perception being created, he said. He lashed out at the Congress, alleging that it was trying to politicise the issue which should not be done. "We, including the BJP which is in the government, will ensure justice for the girl and punishment for the culprits," he said. Asked about the demand for a CBI probe into the incident, the BJP leader said, "The police have completed the probe and now it is in the court of law. It is for the court to decide." Ganga and Singh had hit out at the police for arresting "one or the other person at will" in connection with the rape and killing of the 8-year-old girl in January this year. Asking why the probe was not being handed over to the CBI, Lal Singh had said, "We too want that the real accused be punished... We have heard you. We will not allow this jungle raj, under which they (police) are picking up people at will, to continue. What kind of investigation are they doing? The 'Hindu Ekta Manch', from which the BJP distanced itself, had also taken out a rally holding a tricolour to press for their demand. The incident and use of national flag had evoked sharp reaction from Mufti. "Appalled by the marches and protests in defence of the recently apprehended rapist in Kathua. Also horrified by their use of our national flag in these demonstrations, this is nothing short of desecration. The accused has been arrested and the law will follow its course," she tweeted.

Resignations of BJP ministers to be handed to J&K CM Mufti: Ram Madhav

The Supreme Court on Friday took suo motu cognisance of the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/kathua-child-gang-rape-we-have-failed-her-as-humans-says-vk-singh-130083">Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua rape case</a>.

Taking notice&nbsp;of the lawyers who obstructed the counsel of eight-year-old rape victim, the apex court has sent a notice to the Bar Council of the Jammu and Kashmir for hampering the filing of the charge sheet against the accused involved in the case.

A group of Supreme Court lawyers had earlier requested a bench of judges to take suo&nbsp;motu&nbsp;cognisance of the brutal killing of the eight-year-old girl in Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua. The bench included Chief Justice Dipak Misra and justices AM Khanwilkar and DY Chandrachud.

The apex court also sought a response from the bar association in connection with the obstruction of the judical proceedings in the rape case. The association has to submit the response by April 19.&nbsp;

On Monday a group of lawyers from one community prohibited the crime branch of the state police from registering a charge sheet against the accused in the rape and murder of the eight-year-old.

An eight-year-old child was allegedly&nbsp;gang-raped by six men who held her in captive in a small temple&nbsp;for several days in Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua.The accused drugged her and repeatedly gang-raped&nbsp;her for days before finally killing&nbsp;her with a rock.

The apex court also sought a response from the bar association in connection with the obstruction of the judical proceedings in the rape case. The association has to submit the response by April 19

The Supreme Court on Friday took suo motu cognisance of the Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua rape case. Taking notice of the lawyers who obstructed the counsel of eight-year-old rape victim, the apex court has sent a notice to the Bar Council of the Jammu and Kashmir for hampering the filing of the charge sheet against the accused involved in the case. A group of Supreme Court lawyers had earlier requested a bench of judges to take suo motu cognisance of the brutal killing of the eight-year-old girl in Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua. The bench included Chief Justice Dipak Misra and justices AM Khanwilkar and DY Chandrachud. The apex court also sought a response from the bar association in connection with the obstruction of the judical proceedings in the rape case. The association has to submit the response by April 19. On Monday a group of lawyers from one community prohibited the crime branch of the state police from registering a charge sheet against the accused in the rape and murder of the eight-year-old. An eight-year-old child was allegedly gang-raped by six men who held her in captive in a small temple for several days in Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua.The accused drugged her and repeatedly gang-raped her for days before finally killing her with a rock.

Supreme Court takes suo motu cognisance of Kathua rape case

Disturbed over the rape and murder of an eight-year-old girl in Kathua in the Jammu region, Union minister Maneka Gandhi has asked her department to work on a proposal to amend the POCSO law to bring in the provision of death penalty for the rape of a minor below the age of 12 years.

In the present Protection of Children Against Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, there is no provision for capital punishment with the maximum sentence being life imprisonment for penetrative sexual assault as well aggravated penetrative sexual assault.

The Women and Children Development (WCD) minister has now proposed that rape of any child below the age of 12 years could lead to the death penalty, WCD officials said.

"I have been deeply, deeply disturbed by the rape case in Kathua and all the recent rape cases that have happened on children. I and the (women and child development) ministry intend to bring an amendment to the POCSO Act asking for death penalty for rape of children below 12 years," Maneka Gandhi was heard saying in a video, which was uploaded on Twitter.

The minor girl in the Kathua case, who belonged to the minority nomadic community, had disappeared from near her home in the forests next to a village in Kathua, 90 km from here, on January 10.

A week later, her body was found in the same area, and medical examination pointed towards sexual assault.

During initial investigations, the police arrested a juvenile. Later, the case was transferred to the Jammu and Kashmir Police's Crime Branch.

Two Special Police Officers (SPOs) and later, another five people, including a former revenue official and the alleged conspirator, who surrendered before the Special Investigation Team, were arrested.

The Crime Branch, which probed the rape and killing of the girl, had filed a main charge sheet against seven people and a separate charge sheet against the juvenile in a court in Kathua district earlier this week.

Jammu has been on tenterhooks since the brutal incident. The bar associations have been opposing the action against the accused, alleging that the minority Dogras were being targeted.

Lawyers took to the streets shouting slogans and trying to block the road outside the court where the charge sheets were filed.

The court has fixed the next date of hearing on April 16 when the case would be committed to sessions court for trial.&nbsp

In the present Protection of Children Against Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, there is no provision for capital punishment with the maximum sentence being life imprisonment for penetrative sexual assault as well aggravated penetrative sexual assault.

Disturbed over the rape and murder of an eight-year-old girl in Kathua in the Jammu region, Union minister Maneka Gandhi has asked her department to work on a proposal to amend the POCSO law to bring in the provision of death penalty for the rape of a minor below the age of 12 years. In the present Protection of Children Against Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, there is no provision for capital punishment with the maximum sentence being life imprisonment for penetrative sexual assault as well aggravated penetrative sexual assault. The Women and Children Development (WCD) minister has now proposed that rape of any child below the age of 12 years could lead to the death penalty, WCD officials said. "I have been deeply, deeply disturbed by the rape case in Kathua and all the recent rape cases that have happened on children. I and the (women and child development) ministry intend to bring an amendment to the POCSO Act asking for death penalty for rape of children below 12 years," Maneka Gandhi was heard saying in a video, which was uploaded on Twitter. The minor girl in the Kathua case, who belonged to the minority nomadic community, had disappeared from near her home in the forests next to a village in Kathua, 90 km from here, on January 10. A week later, her body was found in the same area, and medical examination pointed towards sexual assault. During initial investigations, the police arrested a juvenile. Later, the case was transferred to the Jammu and Kashmir Police's Crime Branch. Two Special Police Officers (SPOs) and later, another five people, including a former revenue official and the alleged conspirator, who surrendered before the Special Investigation Team, were arrested. The Crime Branch, which probed the rape and killing of the girl, had filed a main charge sheet against seven people and a separate charge sheet against the juvenile in a court in Kathua district earlier this week. Jammu has been on tenterhooks since the brutal incident. The bar associations have been opposing the action against the accused, alleging that the minority Dogras were being targeted. Lawyers took to the streets shouting slogans and trying to block the road outside the court where the charge sheets were filed. The court has fixed the next date of hearing on April 16 when the case would be committed to sessions court for trial.

Maneka Gandhi proposes death penalty for rape of children below 12 years

Facing flak over Kathua and Unnao rape cases, the BJP on Friday said those accused should be given a stringent punishment and claimed that the police acted quickly in both the matters.

BJP spokesperson Meenakshi Lekhi defended the two party's ministers, who had joined a rally against the police probe in the Kathua rape and murder case, claiming that they were "misled" into attending the protest.

In a press conference, Lekhi also accused the opposition parties of doing dangerous politics over these incidents.

She said Bar Association of Jammu president B S Slathia, who spearheaded the protest in Kathua, was Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad's polling agent in the 2014 Lok Sabha polls.

Lekhi also claimed that these two incidents were selectively highlighted to target the BJP and said that a similar case of rape and murder of a minor girl in Assam had happened, but it never got the prominence that the Kathua and Unnao cases have got.

An eight-year-old girl from the nomadic Bakerwal Muslim community disappeared near her house on January 10 in Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua district.

A week later, her body was found in the same area.

In the Unnao case, the victim has alleged she was raped by BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar at his residence on June 4, 2017.

In February, the girl's family moved the court seeking to include the MLA's name in the rape case. After filing of the case, the victim's father was booked by the police under the Arms Act on April 3 this year and put in jail, where he died on April 8.

BJP spokesperson Meenakshi Lekhi defended the two party's ministers, who had joined a rally against the police probe in the Kathua rape and murder case, claiming that they were "misled" into attending the protest

Facing flak over Kathua and Unnao rape cases, the BJP on Friday said those accused should be given a stringent punishment and claimed that the police acted quickly in both the matters. BJP spokesperson Meenakshi Lekhi defended the two party's ministers, who had joined a rally against the police probe in the Kathua rape and murder case, claiming that they were "misled" into attending the protest. In a press conference, Lekhi also accused the opposition parties of doing dangerous politics over these incidents. She said Bar Association of Jammu president B S Slathia, who spearheaded the protest in Kathua, was Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad's polling agent in the 2014 Lok Sabha polls. Lekhi also claimed that these two incidents were selectively highlighted to target the BJP and said that a similar case of rape and murder of a minor girl in Assam had happened, but it never got the prominence that the Kathua and Unnao cases have got. An eight-year-old girl from the nomadic Bakerwal Muslim community disappeared near her house on January 10 in Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua district. A week later, her body was found in the same area. In the Unnao case, the victim has alleged she was raped by BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar at his residence on June 4, 2017. In February, the girl's family moved the court seeking to include the MLA's name in the rape case. After filing of the case, the victim's father was booked by the police under the Arms Act on April 3 this year and put in jail, where he died on April 8.

Give stringent punishment to perpetrators of Kathua, Unnao cases: BJP

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