A terrorist has been killed after a massive search operation was launched in a forest area in Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua District. The security forces launched an operation after some gunmen opened fire on a house in the Hira Nagar area of Kathua District. Watch in for more details!

Indian Army hunt down suspected terrorist in J&K, firing ongoing in Kathua's Doda

There have been two more terror attacks in Jammu as Indian forces continue to search for the Kashmir killers. #Gravitas brings you the details

Gravitas: Terror attacks in Jammu ahead of Amarnath Yatra

Terrorists have opened fire at a camp in the Doda district of Jammu & Kashmir. Gravitas brings you the developing story.

Gravitas: Breaking | Another terror attack in Jammu, one jawan injured

Back-to-back terror incidents in J&K: Encounter breaks out in Doda between terrorists & Indian Army

Following the commencement of a large search and rescue operation in a wooded region in the Kathua District of Jammu & Kashmir, two terrorists have been killed. In the Hira Nagar neighborhood of Kathua District, some gunmen opened fire on a residence, prompting the security forces to initiate an operation. Keep an eye out for additional information!

J&K: After Reasi terror attack, J&K's Doda, Kathua districts targeted | What is happening?

A goods train with 53 waggons barrelled down Sunday from Jammu's Kathua to Punjab's Hoshiarpur without a driver at a speed of 90kmph, initially rolling down a slope after the drivers allegedly halted for a tea break while leaving the engine running.

Runaway Indian goods train travels 80 km without driver from Kathua in Jammu & Kashmir to Punjab

There has been a mysterious blast near the India-Pakistan border in Jammu & Kashmir's Kathua district. Who was behind this blast? Are Pakistani terror groups trying to stir up trouble? Molly Gambhir reports.

Gravitas: Mysterious blast rocks Jammu & Kashmir's Kathua district

A Border Security Force (BSF) personnel sustained minor injuries in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistan-violates-ceasefire-in-jammu-kashmirs-poonch-indian-army-retaliating-252949">ceasefire violation</a> by Pakistan at Manyari post of Hiranagar in Kathua district, last night.

Constable Abhishek Roy, who received splinter injuries, is undergoing treatment at JMC hospital.

His condition is reported to be normal.

The Pakistani rangers violated ceasefire by firing 54 HE bombs, and 33 RDS&nbsp;with small weapons.

The BSF troops strongly retaliated to the firing.

A Border Security Force (BSF) personnel sustained minor injuries in ceasefire violation by Pakistan at Manyari post of Hiranagar in Kathua district, last night. Constable Abhishek Roy, who received splinter injuries, is undergoing treatment at JMC hospital.

A Border Security Force (BSF) personnel sustained minor injuries in ceasefire violation by Pakistan at Manyari post of Hiranagar in Kathua district, last night. Constable Abhishek Roy, who received splinter injuries, is undergoing treatment at JMC hospital. His condition is reported to be normal. The Pakistani rangers violated ceasefire by firing 54 HE bombs, and 33 RDS with small weapons. The BSF troops strongly retaliated to the firing.

Border Security Force jawan sustains injuries in ceasefire violation by Pakistan in Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua

A special court in Punjab's Pathankot on Monday convicted six of the seven accused in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/court-convicts-six-accused-in-kathua-rape-and-murder-case-1-acquitted-225877">Kathua rape case</a>. The eighth accused is a juvenile and his case will be separately handled by the Juvenile Justice Board or JJB.

The case involves an eight-year-old girl, who was kidnapped, raped and killed by these men in January last year.

According to the police chargesheet, the girl, who belonged to the nomadic community, had gone missing on January 10, 2018, while grazing horses. Investigators said the accused juvenile had abducted the girl under the pretext of helping her find her horses and raped her on the same day. The investigators further said that before being killed, the girl was kept sedated in a temple where Sanjhi Ram, the main accused, was the custodian.

Sanjhi Ram claims he found out about the sexual assault only on January 13 when the nephew confessed to him, according to the investigators. He told them that he had performed prayers at the 'devisthan', and asked his nephew to take prasad home. But the nephew delayed doing so, and in anger Ram beat him up, investigators said.

The juvenile thought his uncle had found out that he had raped the girl, and spilled the beans, they said. They claim the juvenile also implicated his cousin and Ram's son, Vishal, saying they both had raped the girl inside the 'devisthan'. Vishal was today acquitted by the court.

On the intervening night of January 13 and 14, the juvenile, Vishal and a friend, Parvesh Kumar alias Mannu, took the victim out of the 'devisthan'. They were later joined by a special police officer Deepak Khajuria who wanted to rape her once more before she was killed, they said.

But things did not go quite as planned, they said.

She was murdered on January 14 as Ram did not want to leave any evidence that led to his son, investigators found.

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 other accused then lifted the body and took it back to the 'devisthan' while Ram kept watch outside, the chargesheet said.

Further investigations showed that 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 forest nearby. Her body was found there on January 17.

Preparations for the abduction had started on January 7 when sedatives and 'manar' (local cannabis or bhang) were purchased, the chargesheet said.

A special court in Punjab's Pathankot on Monday convicted six of the seven accused in the Kathua rape case. The eighth accused is a juvenile and his case will be separately handled by the Juvenile Justice Board or JJB.

A special court in Punjab's Pathankot on Monday convicted six of the seven accused in the Kathua rape case. The eighth accused is a juvenile and his case will be separately handled by the Juvenile Justice Board or JJB. The case involves an eight-year-old girl, who was kidnapped, raped and killed by these men in January last year. According to the police chargesheet, the girl, who belonged to the nomadic community, had gone missing on January 10, 2018, while grazing horses. Investigators said the accused juvenile had abducted the girl under the pretext of helping her find her horses and raped her on the same day. The investigators further said that before being killed, the girl was kept sedated in a temple where Sanjhi Ram, the main accused, was the custodian. Sanjhi Ram claims he found out about the sexual assault only on January 13 when the nephew confessed to him, according to the investigators. He told them that he had performed prayers at the 'devisthan', and asked his nephew to take prasad home. But the nephew delayed doing so, and in anger Ram beat him up, investigators said. The juvenile thought his uncle had found out that he had raped the girl, and spilled the beans, they said. They claim the juvenile also implicated his cousin and Ram's son, Vishal, saying they both had raped the girl inside the 'devisthan'. Vishal was today acquitted by the court. On the intervening night of January 13 and 14, the juvenile, Vishal and a friend, Parvesh Kumar alias Mannu, took the victim out of the 'devisthan'. They were later joined by a special police officer Deepak Khajuria who wanted to rape her once more before she was killed, they said. But things did not go quite as planned, they said. She was murdered on January 14 as Ram did not want to leave any evidence that led to his son, investigators found. 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 other accused then lifted the body and took it back to the 'devisthan' while Ram kept watch outside, the chargesheet said. Further investigations showed that 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 forest nearby. Her body was found there on January 17. Preparations for the abduction had started on January 7 when sedatives and 'manar' (local cannabis or bhang) were purchased, the chargesheet said.

What we know about the Kathua rape case

Accusations of muted protests in Aligarh case.Comparisons being made with Kathua rape case. 8 yr old girl was raped and murdered in Kathua, Jammu. Watch this video to know more.

Aligarh Murder Case Raises Questions

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Sunday slammed the Abdullahs and Muftis, saying two families "ruined" three generations of Jammu and Kashmir and he will not allow them to "divide" India.

The prime minister was referring to NC leader Omar Abdullah's demand for a separate prime minister for Jammu and Kashmir.

He also targeted the Congress for the migration of Kashmiri Pandits from the Valley and said his government was committed to settling the displaced community in their native places and that work has started in this direction.

The Prime Minister also hit out at Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh for skipping Saturday's event to pay respects to martyrs of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre.

On doubts raised by some opposition leaders on the Balakot air strikes, Modi said Congress has never trusted valour of Indian armed forces.

He said the wave in favour of the BJP was stronger this time than in 2014.

According to opinion polls and surveys, the BJP will get thrice the seats that Congress will win, he said.

By coming out to vote in large numbers in Baramulla and Jammu, voters have given a befitting reply to terrorist leaders and opportunists, he added.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Sunday slammed the Abdullahs and Muftis, saying two families "ruined" three generations of Jammu and Kashmir and he will not allow them to "divide" India.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Sunday slammed the Abdullahs and Muftis, saying two families "ruined" three generations of Jammu and Kashmir and he will not allow them to "divide" India. The prime minister was referring to NC leader Omar Abdullah's demand for a separate prime minister for Jammu and Kashmir. He also targeted the Congress for the migration of Kashmiri Pandits from the Valley and said his government was committed to settling the displaced community in their native places and that work has started in this direction. The Prime Minister also hit out at Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh for skipping Saturday's event to pay respects to martyrs of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre. On doubts raised by some opposition leaders on the Balakot air strikes, Modi said Congress has never trusted valour of Indian armed forces. He said the wave in favour of the BJP was stronger this time than in 2014. According to opinion polls and surveys, the BJP will get thrice the seats that Congress will win, he said. By coming out to vote in large numbers in Baramulla and Jammu, voters have given a befitting reply to terrorist leaders and opportunists, he added.

Will not allow Abdullahs, Muftis to divide India: PM Modi in Kathua

The Supreme Court will hear the plea of three witnesses in the Kathua gangrape and murder case, alleging that they are being harassed by the state police, on May 16. A bench of Chief Justice Dipak Misra and Justices A M Khanwilkar and D Y Chandrachud today agreed to hear on Wednesday the plea of Sahil Sharma and two others, who are college friends of the juvenile accused in the case.

According to their plea, they had already recorded their statements before the police and the magistrate. The three witnesses had in their statement before the magistrate said they gave their statement to the police under coercion. The petition today alleged that the state police was now asking them to re-appear and re-record their statements and exerting pressure in their families.

The apex court had on May 7 transferred the trial in the sensational Kathua gangrape and murder case of an eight-year-old girl from Jammu and Kashmir to Pathankot in Punjab, but refrained from handing over the probe to CBI saying there was no need as the investigation has been conducted and the chargesheet filed.

The victim, from a minority nomadic community, had disappeared from near her home in a village close to Kathua in the Jammu region on January 10. Her body was found in the same area a week later. The state police has filed the main chargesheet against seven persons and a separate chargesheet against a juvenile in a court in Kathua district.

The petition alleged that the state police was now asking them to re-appear and re-record their statements and exerting pressure in their families.

The Supreme Court will hear the plea of three witnesses in the Kathua gangrape and murder case, alleging that they are being harassed by the state police, on May 16. A bench of Chief Justice Dipak Misra and Justices A M Khanwilkar and D Y Chandrachud today agreed to hear on Wednesday the plea of Sahil Sharma and two others, who are college friends of the juvenile accused in the case. According to their plea, they had already recorded their statements before the police and the magistrate. The three witnesses had in their statement before the magistrate said they gave their statement to the police under coercion. The petition today alleged that the state police was now asking them to re-appear and re-record their statements and exerting pressure in their families. The apex court had on May 7 transferred the trial in the sensational Kathua gangrape and murder case of an eight-year-old girl from Jammu and Kashmir to Pathankot in Punjab, but refrained from handing over the probe to CBI saying there was no need as the investigation has been conducted and the chargesheet filed. The victim, from a minority nomadic community, had disappeared from near her home in a village close to Kathua in the Jammu region on January 10. Her body was found in the same area a week later. The state police has filed the main chargesheet against seven persons and a separate chargesheet against a juvenile in a court in Kathua district.

SC to hear Kathua witnesses’ plea alleging police harassment on May 16

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/dcw-chairperson-swati-maliwal-to-end-nine-day-hunger-strike-today-131978">DCW Chief Swati Maliwal </a>has requested the Prime Minister to set up a special task force and establish fast-track courts for hearing rape cases.

She urged the government to create a plan in the next 15 days adding that more police force should be employed in the next three months for handling rapes.

Expressing her dissapointment over the "communalisation of rapes" she also said that suddenly the religion of the victim has become important.

She also thanked the Prime Minister for amending the POCSO Act.&nbsp;

However, she added that the the new amendments awarding the death penalty to those convicted of raping children up to 12 years of age will not lead to any change on ground unless it is ensured that all rape cases are tried within six months.

In her letter to the Prime Minister, the DCW chief has requested him to set up special task force across the states consisting of highest representatives of Centre, states and judiciary.

She also called for an urgent meeting of the Union Home Minister, Chief Justice of Delhi High Court, Lieutenant Governor and Chief Minister of Delhi, Police Commissioner and DCW to create a plan for increasing police resources and fast track courts in Delhi.

Raising concerns about the growing incidents of " irresponsible" statements by politicians and people, she said a strict action should be taken against them.

The DCW chairperson was on indefinite hunger strike for 10 days demanding death for rapists of minors. She ended her fast after the Union Cabinet approved an ordinance to allow courts to award death penalty to those convicted of raping children up to 12 years of age.

She urged the government to create a plan in the next 15 days adding that more police force should be employed in the next three months for handling rapes

DCW Chief Swati Maliwal has requested the Prime Minister to set up a special task force and establish fast-track courts for hearing rape cases. She urged the government to create a plan in the next 15 days adding that more police force should be employed in the next three months for handling rapes. Expressing her dissapointment over the "communalisation of rapes" she also said that suddenly the religion of the victim has become important. She also thanked the Prime Minister for amending the POCSO Act. However, she added that the the new amendments awarding the death penalty to those convicted of raping children up to 12 years of age will not lead to any change on ground unless it is ensured that all rape cases are tried within six months. In her letter to the Prime Minister, the DCW chief has requested him to set up special task force across the states consisting of highest representatives of Centre, states and judiciary. She also called for an urgent meeting of the Union Home Minister, Chief Justice of Delhi High Court, Lieutenant Governor and Chief Minister of Delhi, Police Commissioner and DCW to create a plan for increasing police resources and fast track courts in Delhi. Raising concerns about the growing incidents of " irresponsible" statements by politicians and people, she said a strict action should be taken against them. The DCW chairperson was on indefinite hunger strike for 10 days demanding death for rapists of minors. She ended her fast after the Union Cabinet approved an ordinance to allow courts to award death penalty to those convicted of raping children up to 12 years of age.

Set up task forces to establish fast-track courts for rape cases: DCW Swati Maliwal writes to PM

After being sworn in as Jammu and Kashmir's Deputy Chief Minister, Kavinder Gupta said on Monday that the Kathua gang rape and murder was a “small issue”.&nbsp;

The Kathua gang rape and murder had sent shockwaves through the nation.&nbsp;

An eight-year-old girl, belonging to a minority community, was allegedly abducted, gang-raped, and murdered in Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua district in January.&nbsp;

A video of Gupta's comment was posted&nbsp;by Congress leader Salman Nizami. In it, Gupta can be heard saying, “The Kathua incident is a minor one and shouldn’t be given much importance.”

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After pro-rapist MLA was inducted in Ministry, this shameless/heartless BJP neta- Dy CM J&K Kavinder Gupta says Rape & murder of 8 year old girl in Kathua is a SMALL issue, shd not be given much hype. And his supporters Laugh.....! Shame BJP Shame. <a href="https://t.co/6rkxSiBhhv">pic.twitter.com/6rkxSiBhhv</a>
— Salman Nizami (@SalmanNizami_) <a href="https://twitter.com/SalmanNizami_/status/990923471680036864?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 30, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Gupta, along with seven others, took oath as ministers in the Mehbooba Mufti-led cabinet in Jammu and Kashmir, in the presence of the governor on Monday.&nbsp;

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/jk-mla-who-reportedly-attended-pro-rapists-rally-in-kathua-made-cabinet-minister-133799">MLA who reportedly attended </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/jk-mla-who-reportedly-attended-pro-rapists-rally-in-kathua-made-cabinet-minister-133799">pro-rapists</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/jk-mla-who-reportedly-attended-pro-rapists-rally-in-kathua-made-cabinet-minister-133799"> rally in Kathua made cabinet minister</a>

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/bihar-13-year-old-girl-stripped-molested-by-gang-of-teens-attack-filmed-no-one-comes-to-her-rescue-133772">13-year-old girl stripped, molested by </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/bihar-13-year-old-girl-stripped-molested-by-gang-of-teens-attack-filmed-no-one-comes-to-her-rescue-133772">gang</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/bihar-13-year-old-girl-stripped-molested-by-gang-of-teens-attack-filmed-no-one-comes-to-her-rescue-133772"> of teens in Bihar. Attack filmed, no one comes to her rescue</a>

Gupta, described as an old RSS hand, will be the new deputy chief minister in place of Nirmal Singh, who submitted his resignation last night, officials said.

The cabinet reshuffle was necessitated after two BJP ministers were forced to resign for attending a rally taken out in Kathua in support of the suspected rapists.&nbsp;

BJP national general secretary Ram Madhav, who attended the swearing-in ceremony, however said today's changes had no connection with the Kathua case.&nbsp;

Besides Gupta and Sharma, the new BJP faces sworn in as ministers were the MLAs from Kathua and adjoining Sambha, Rajiv Jasrotia and Devinder Kumar Manyal, respectively.

The BJP also upgraded Sunil Sharma, at present minister of state for transport, to the rank of cabinet minister. BJP legislator Shakti Raj took oath as a minister of state.

From the PDP, Pulwama MLA Mohammed Khalil Band and Sonawar MLA Mohammed Ashraf Mir took oath as ministers.

Of the eight, seven are first-time ministers. Seven of the eight are cabinet ministers.&nbsp;

(With inputs from Agencies)

In a video posted by Congress leader Salman Nizami, Gupta said, “The Kathua incident is a minor one and shouldn’t be given much importance.”

After being sworn in as Jammu and Kashmir's Deputy Chief Minister, Kavinder Gupta said on Monday that the Kathua gang rape and murder was a “small issue”. The Kathua gang rape and murder had sent shockwaves through the nation. An eight-year-old girl, belonging to a minority community, was allegedly abducted, gang-raped, and murdered in Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua district in January. A video of Gupta's comment was posted by Congress leader Salman Nizami. In it, Gupta can be heard saying, “The Kathua incident is a minor one and shouldn’t be given much importance.” After pro-rapist MLA was inducted in Ministry, this shameless/heartless BJP neta- Dy CM J&K Kavinder Gupta says Rape & murder of 8 year old girl in Kathua is a SMALL issue, shd not be given much hype. And his supporters Laugh.....! Shame BJP Shame. pic.twitter.com/6rkxSiBhhv — Salman Nizami (@SalmanNizami_) April 30, 2018 × Gupta, along with seven others, took oath as ministers in the Mehbooba Mufti-led cabinet in Jammu and Kashmir, in the presence of the governor on Monday. Also read: MLA who reportedly attended pro-rapists rally in Kathua made cabinet minister Also read: 13-year-old girl stripped, molested by gang of teens in Bihar. Attack filmed, no one comes to her rescue Gupta, described as an old RSS hand, will be the new deputy chief minister in place of Nirmal Singh, who submitted his resignation last night, officials said. The cabinet reshuffle was necessitated after two BJP ministers were forced to resign for attending a rally taken out in Kathua in support of the suspected rapists. BJP national general secretary Ram Madhav, who attended the swearing-in ceremony, however said today's changes had no connection with the Kathua case. Besides Gupta and Sharma, the new BJP faces sworn in as ministers were the MLAs from Kathua and adjoining Sambha, Rajiv Jasrotia and Devinder Kumar Manyal, respectively. The BJP also upgraded Sunil Sharma, at present minister of state for transport, to the rank of cabinet minister. BJP legislator Shakti Raj took oath as a minister of state. From the PDP, Pulwama MLA Mohammed Khalil Band and Sonawar MLA Mohammed Ashraf Mir took oath as ministers. Of the eight, seven are first-time ministers. Seven of the eight are cabinet ministers. (With inputs from Agencies)

Watch: 'Kathua rape is a small issue', says newly sworn-in J&K Deputy CM Kavinder Gupta

An MLA who reportedly attended the rally taken out in Kathua in support of the suspected rapists of an eight-year-old girl has been sworn in as a Jammu and Kashmir cabinet minister.&nbsp;

The MLA in question is Rajiv Jasrotia, who represents Kathua in the Jammu and Kashmir assembly.&nbsp;

Jammu and Kashmir Assembly speaker Kavinder Gupta and seven others were on Monday sworn in as ministers in the state's PDP-BJP government led by Mehbooba Mufti .

The reshuffle is a result of BJP ministers Lal Singh and Chander Prakash Ganga resigning from the cabinet earlier this month after they were criticised for taking part in the same rally Jasrotia is reported to have attended.&nbsp;

The move was attacked on Twitter by former chief minister Omar Abdullah.&nbsp;

"2 BJP ministers removed in J&K for attending a pro-rapist rally & a MLA who is reported to have attended the same rally is promoted as a minister. Why are the BJP/ @MehboobaMufti &nbsp;confused about where they stand on the #Kathua rape?" he tweeted.&nbsp;

Congress leader Priyanka Chaturvedi also took to Twitter to slam the BJP.&nbsp;

"As per news reports BJP MLA who attended the pro-rapist rally in Kathua, Rajeev Jasrotia, is now a minister in the cabinet reshuffle. BJP protects rapists and promotes rape apologists. Shame," Chaturvedi tweeted.&nbsp;

Kavinder Gupta will take over as the state's deputy chief minister from Nirmal Singh, who submitted his resignation last night.&nbsp;

Gupta himself <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/kathua-rape-a-small-issue-says-jks-new-deputy-cm-kavinder-gupta-133801">ran into trouble</a> on Monday when, after his swearing in, he referred to the Kathua gang rape — which sent shockwaves through the nation — as a "minor incident".&nbsp;

'2 BJP ministers removed in J&K for attending a pro-rapist rally & a MLA who is reported to have attended the same rally is promoted as a minister. Why are the BJP/ @MehboobaMufti confused about where they stand on the #Kathua rape?' Omar Abdullah tweeted

An MLA who reportedly attended the rally taken out in Kathua in support of the suspected rapists of an eight-year-old girl has been sworn in as a Jammu and Kashmir cabinet minister. The MLA in question is Rajiv Jasrotia, who represents Kathua in the Jammu and Kashmir assembly. Jammu and Kashmir Assembly speaker Kavinder Gupta and seven others were on Monday sworn in as ministers in the state's PDP-BJP government led by Mehbooba Mufti . The reshuffle is a result of BJP ministers Lal Singh and Chander Prakash Ganga resigning from the cabinet earlier this month after they were criticised for taking part in the same rally Jasrotia is reported to have attended. The move was attacked on Twitter by former chief minister Omar Abdullah. "2 BJP ministers removed in J&K for attending a pro-rapist rally & a MLA who is reported to have attended the same rally is promoted as a minister. Why are the BJP/ @MehboobaMufti confused about where they stand on the #Kathua rape?" he tweeted. Congress leader Priyanka Chaturvedi also took to Twitter to slam the BJP. "As per news reports BJP MLA who attended the pro-rapist rally in Kathua, Rajeev Jasrotia, is now a minister in the cabinet reshuffle. BJP protects rapists and promotes rape apologists. Shame," Chaturvedi tweeted. Kavinder Gupta will take over as the state's deputy chief minister from Nirmal Singh, who submitted his resignation last night. Gupta himself ran into trouble on Monday when, after his swearing in, he referred to the Kathua gang rape — which sent shockwaves through the nation — as a "minor incident".

J&K: MLA who reportedly attended pro-rapists rally in Kathua made cabinet minister

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

The Supreme Court on Friday will resume hearing the case of alleged rape and murder of an eight-year-old girl belonging to Jammu and Kashmir`s Kathua area.

The case dates back to January when a minor girl belonging to the nomadic Bakerwal Tribe was allegedly abducted, drugged, gang-raped, tortured and killed.

On Thursday, the inquiry panel of the Bar Council of India (BCI) that is investigating the aforementioned case rejected claims that lawyers of the Jammu Bar had threatened the raped victim's lawyer Deepika Singh Rajawat.

The inquiry panel also rejected allegations that the police had been stopped from filing a charge-sheet in court.

Senior Supreme Court lawyer Vikas Singh, appearing on behalf of the Jammu and Kashmir Bar Association, told a three-judge Supreme Court bench headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra that no lawyer had threatened Rajawat or had stopped the police from filing a charge sheet against the accused."Nobody or no lawyer has threatened the victim`s lawyer, Deepika Singh Rajawat, and or stopped the police from filing the charge sheet against the accused persons in the alleged Kathua rape and murder case," Singh told the court.

The apex court observed, "We are only concerned with the victim's families getting justice expeditiously, or, about how the investigation and trial would go on. Let us be clear and focus on investigation and about the trial of the case."

Meanwhile, Chandan Sharma, the lawyer of two of the accused-Sanji Ram and Vishal Jangotra - told the court that the investigation must be fair, transparent and judicious as it is the minimum requirement of the rule of law.

On Thursday, the inquiry panel of the Bar Council of India (BCI) that is investigating the aforementioned case rejected claims that lawyers of the Jammu Bar had threatened the raped victim's lawyer Deepika Singh Rajawat

The Supreme Court on Friday will resume hearing the case of alleged rape and murder of an eight-year-old girl belonging to Jammu and Kashmir`s Kathua area. The case dates back to January when a minor girl belonging to the nomadic Bakerwal Tribe was allegedly abducted, drugged, gang-raped, tortured and killed. On Thursday, the inquiry panel of the Bar Council of India (BCI) that is investigating the aforementioned case rejected claims that lawyers of the Jammu Bar had threatened the raped victim's lawyer Deepika Singh Rajawat. The inquiry panel also rejected allegations that the police had been stopped from filing a charge-sheet in court. Senior Supreme Court lawyer Vikas Singh, appearing on behalf of the Jammu and Kashmir Bar Association, told a three-judge Supreme Court bench headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra that no lawyer had threatened Rajawat or had stopped the police from filing a charge sheet against the accused."Nobody or no lawyer has threatened the victim`s lawyer, Deepika Singh Rajawat, and or stopped the police from filing the charge sheet against the accused persons in the alleged Kathua rape and murder case," Singh told the court. The apex court observed, "We are only concerned with the victim's families getting justice expeditiously, or, about how the investigation and trial would go on. Let us be clear and focus on investigation and about the trial of the case." Meanwhile, Chandan Sharma, the lawyer of two of the accused-Sanji Ram and Vishal Jangotra - told the court that the investigation must be fair, transparent and judicious as it is the minimum requirement of the rule of law.

Supreme Court to resume hearing Kathua rape case today

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

Madhya Pradesh Home Minister Bhupendra Singh has blamed "porn" for the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/death-penalty-to-child-rapists-president-ram-nath-kovind-promulgates-the-ordinance-to-amend-pocso-act-131985">rising number of child rapes and molestation cases</a> against women.

He also said that his&nbsp;government was thinking of banning pornography in Madhya Pradesh and that they would seek Centre's assistance for the same.

He said, " We think the reason for rising number of child rapes and molestation cases is porn. We are contemplating banning porn in Madhya Pradesh, will approach Centre in the Centre."

His comments have come at a time when regular reports&nbsp;of&nbsp;rape and molestation were reported in the country.&nbsp;

The country recently engulfed in a massive outrage over the brutal rape and murder of an eight-year-old&nbsp;in Kathua Jammu and Kashmir.&nbsp;

To counter the rising number of crimes against children and women in the country the government has also introduced strict amendments in the POCSO Act&nbsp;allowing courts to award death penalty to those convicted of raping children up to 12 years of age.

&nbsp;

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We think the reason for rising number of child rape and molestation cases is porn. We are contemplating banning porn in Madhya Pradesh, will approach Centre in the matter: Bhupendra Singh, Madhya Pradesh Home Minister <a href="https://t.co/sTpHIkGq5I">pic.twitter.com/sTpHIkGq5I</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/988613497394167808?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 24, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Madhya Pradesh Home Minister Bhupendra Singh said, 'We think the reason for rising number of child rapes and molestation cases is porn. We are contemplating banning porn in Madhya Pradesh, will approach Centre in the Centre'

Madhya Pradesh Home Minister Bhupendra Singh has blamed "porn" for the rising number of child rapes and molestation cases against women. He also said that his government was thinking of banning pornography in Madhya Pradesh and that they would seek Centre's assistance for the same. He said, " We think the reason for rising number of child rapes and molestation cases is porn. We are contemplating banning porn in Madhya Pradesh, will approach Centre in the Centre." His comments have come at a time when regular reports of rape and molestation were reported in the country. The country recently engulfed in a massive outrage over the brutal rape and murder of an eight-year-old in Kathua Jammu and Kashmir. To counter the rising number of crimes against children and women in the country the government has also introduced strict amendments in the POCSO Act allowing courts to award death penalty to those convicted of raping children up to 12 years of age. We think the reason for rising number of child rape and molestation cases is porn. We are contemplating banning porn in Madhya Pradesh, will approach Centre in the matter: Bhupendra Singh, Madhya Pradesh Home Minister pic.twitter.com/sTpHIkGq5I — ANI (@ANI) April 24, 2018 ×

Thinking of banning pornography in Madhya Pradesh, will stop rapes: State home minister

Anushka Sharma has said she is "1,000 per cent" in support of the ordinance promulgated on Sunday which provides stringent punishment, including"death"penalty, for those convicted of raping girls below the age of 12 years. 
 
Speaking to reporters at an event on Monday, Anushka said, "I am very happy with it. I will be completely, 1,000 per cent in support of the most severe punishment that there is (for someone) who spoils something as innocent as a child." She called such crimes the "worst thing to do as a human being".

Anushka added that, like everyone else, she was "deeply hurt and disgusted" by the Kathua incident in Jammu and Kashmir, in which an eight-year-old girl was held captive in a temple there and was repeatedly raped before being killed.

The body of the girl, belonging to a minority nomadic community, was found on January 17 from Rassana forest, a week after she went missing while grazing her horses. 
"Like everyone in the country, I am deeply hurt by the incident. Even now when I think about it, I feel disgusted and extremely emotional. Like I said in my statement earlier, the most severe punishment has to be meted out to the people involved," she said.

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I am in absolute support of it. Child rape is the worst thing a human being can do. Strictest & the harshest punishment possible should be given to such people: Anushka Sharma on the ordinance to amend POCSO Act <a href="https://t.co/EwmErD5AzQ">pic.twitter.com/EwmErD5AzQ</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/988598074896474112?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 24, 2018</a></blockquote>
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On the work front, Anushka, who will have a packed year with Sui Dhaga, Zero&nbsp;and a cameo in the Sanjay Dutt biopic, spoke about the Dutt biopic. 
 
"That (the Dutt biopic) is"one film you guys will be very excited and happy seeing. I saw the teaser recently and I liked it a lot. I have a cameo in it. I'm really looking forward to watching the film," she said.&nbsp;

(With agency inputs)

Anushka said, like everyone else, she was "deeply hurt and disgusted" by the Kathua incident in Jammu and Kashmir.

Anushka Sharma has said she is "1,000 per cent" in support of the ordinance promulgated on Sunday which provides stringent punishment, including"death"penalty, for those convicted of raping girls below the age of 12 years. Speaking to reporters at an event on Monday, Anushka said, "I am very happy with it. I will be completely, 1,000 per cent in support of the most severe punishment that there is (for someone) who spoils something as innocent as a child." She called such crimes the "worst thing to do as a human being". Anushka added that, like everyone else, she was "deeply hurt and disgusted" by the Kathua incident in Jammu and Kashmir, in which an eight-year-old girl was held captive in a temple there and was repeatedly raped before being killed. The body of the girl, belonging to a minority nomadic community, was found on January 17 from Rassana forest, a week after she went missing while grazing her horses. "Like everyone in the country, I am deeply hurt by the incident. Even now when I think about it, I feel disgusted and extremely emotional. Like I said in my statement earlier, the most severe punishment has to be meted out to the people involved," she said. I am in absolute support of it. Child rape is the worst thing a human being can do. Strictest & the harshest punishment possible should be given to such people: Anushka Sharma on the ordinance to amend POCSO Act pic.twitter.com/EwmErD5AzQ — ANI (@ANI) April 24, 2018 × On the work front, Anushka, who will have a packed year with Sui Dhaga, Zero and a cameo in the Sanjay Dutt biopic, spoke about the Dutt biopic. "That (the Dutt biopic) is"one film you guys will be very excited and happy seeing. I saw the teaser recently and I liked it a lot. I have a cameo in it. I'm really looking forward to watching the film," she said. (With agency inputs)

Anushka Sharma: Fully support capital punishment for rapists of minors

President&nbsp;Ram Nath Kovind promulgated the ordinance to amend the POCSO act today, a day after it was <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/union-cabinet-approves-death-penalty-for-rape-of-children-under-12-131823">cleared by the Union Cabinet</a>.

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&nbsp;

The ordinance will&nbsp;allow courts to award death penalty to those convicted of raping children up to 12 years of age.

The Union Cabinet on Saturday approved an ordinance to allow courts to award death penalty to those convicted of raping children up to 12 years of age.

Official sources said that the criminal law amendment ordinance seeks to amend the Indian Penal Code (IPC), the Evidence Act, the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act to introduce a new provision to sentence convicts of such crimes punishment of death.

The move comes against the backdrop of the alleged rape and murder of girls in Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua and Gujarat's Surat district recently.

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/death-for-raping-children-what-the-ordinance-says-131971">Death for raping children — What the ordinance says</a>

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/president-promulgates-fugitive-economic-offenders-ordinance-131972">President promulgates fugitive economic offenders ordinance</a>

New fast-track courts will be set up to deal with such cases and special forensic kits for rape cases will be given to all police stations and hospitals in the long term, according to the Criminal Law (Amendment) Ordinance 2018.

All cases of rape has to be mandatorily completed within two months. A six-month time limit for the disposal of appeals in rape cases has also been prescribed.

It stipulates stringent punishment for perpetrators of rape, particularly of girls below 16 and 12 years.&nbsp;

Death sentence has been provided for rapists of girls under 12 years, with the minimum jail term being 20 years which may go up to life in prison.

The minimum punishment in case of rape of women has been increased from rigorous imprisonment of seven years to 10 years, extendable to life imprisonment,

In case of rape of a girl under 16 years, the minimum punishment has been increased from 10 years to 20 years, extendable to imprisonment for rest of life, which means jail term till the convict's "natural life".

The punishment for gangrape of a girl below 16 years will invariably be imprisonment for the rest of life of the convict, the officials said.

There will also be no provision for anticipatory bail for a person accused of rape or gang rape of a girl under 16 years.&nbsp;

The President last night also promulgated Fugitive Economic Offenders Ordinance that will allow the government to confiscate properties and assets of loan defaulters who flee the country.

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President <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RamNathKovind?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RamNathKovind</a> promulgates the ordinance to amend POCSO act(death sentence to those found guilty of raping a child below 12 years of age) <a href="https://t.co/AryWHQy4Mt">pic.twitter.com/AryWHQy4Mt</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/987924224152043521?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 22, 2018</a></blockquote>
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(With inputs from PTI)

The ordinance will allow courts to award death penalty to those convicted of raping children up to 12 years of age

President Ram Nath Kovind promulgated the ordinance to amend the POCSO act today, a day after it was cleared by the Union Cabinet. × The ordinance will allow courts to award death penalty to those convicted of raping children up to 12 years of age. The Union Cabinet on Saturday approved an ordinance to allow courts to award death penalty to those convicted of raping children up to 12 years of age. Official sources said that the criminal law amendment ordinance seeks to amend the Indian Penal Code (IPC), the Evidence Act, the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act to introduce a new provision to sentence convicts of such crimes punishment of death. The move comes against the backdrop of the alleged rape and murder of girls in Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua and Gujarat's Surat district recently. Also read: Death for raping children — What the ordinance says Also read: President promulgates fugitive economic offenders ordinance New fast-track courts will be set up to deal with such cases and special forensic kits for rape cases will be given to all police stations and hospitals in the long term, according to the Criminal Law (Amendment) Ordinance 2018. All cases of rape has to be mandatorily completed within two months. A six-month time limit for the disposal of appeals in rape cases has also been prescribed. It stipulates stringent punishment for perpetrators of rape, particularly of girls below 16 and 12 years. Death sentence has been provided for rapists of girls under 12 years, with the minimum jail term being 20 years which may go up to life in prison. The minimum punishment in case of rape of women has been increased from rigorous imprisonment of seven years to 10 years, extendable to life imprisonment, In case of rape of a girl under 16 years, the minimum punishment has been increased from 10 years to 20 years, extendable to imprisonment for rest of life, which means jail term till the convict's "natural life". The punishment for gangrape of a girl below 16 years will invariably be imprisonment for the rest of life of the convict, the officials said. There will also be no provision for anticipatory bail for a person accused of rape or gang rape of a girl under 16 years. The President last night also promulgated Fugitive Economic Offenders Ordinance that will allow the government to confiscate properties and assets of loan defaulters who flee the country. President #RamNathKovind promulgates the ordinance to amend POCSO act(death sentence to those found guilty of raping a child below 12 years of age) pic.twitter.com/AryWHQy4Mt — ANI (@ANI) April 22, 2018 × (With inputs from PTI)

Death penalty to child rapists: President promulgates the ordinance to amend POCSO Act

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said that it is shameful to play politics over the issues related to rapes and sexual assaults in the country.

Prime Minister Modi's remarks come in the backdrop of a nationwide outrage over the rape cases in Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua and Uttar Pradesh's Unnao.

Addressing a gathering at the event 'Bharat Ki Baat, Sabke Saath' in London, Prime Minister Modi said, "A rape is a rape. How can we tolerate this exploitation of our daughters?"

"When a child is raped, do we compare metrics versus earlier governments? That is shameful. We cannot say there were this many rapes in our government and that many of yours. There cannot be a worse way to deal with this issue," the prime minister added.

He further said that there is nothing worse than a child is raped, while raising a question to the audience that why do the parents get worried when their girl child comes late to home but never asks the boy child about his whereabouts.

The person who is "committing the sin" is somebody's son Prime Minister Modi said while calling the rape incidents as a cause of concern for the entire nation.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/live-pm-modi-set-to-speak-at-central-hall-westminster-131249">Read the full text of Modi's address at Central Hall Westminster</a>

In the Kathua case, an eight-year-old girl was allegedly drugged, tortured and gang-raped continuously for a week by eight people in Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua in January.

In the Unnao case, the victim has alleged that she was raped by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar at his residence on June 4, 2017, where she had gone with a relative seeking a job.

Modi said making India a secured nation for women is one of his utmost priority. "When I addressed the nation for the first time from the ramparts of Red Fort, I expressed anguish over the hardship faced by our women. Why they have to fear for their safety each evening after it gets dark?"

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> Live from London: Prime Minister Narendra Modi at <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BharatKiBaatSabkeSaath?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BharatKiBaatSabkeSaath</a> event at Central Hall Westminster. <a href="https://t.co/fqYzelOaHy">https://t.co/fqYzelOaHy</a>
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Earlier, Modi had on Friday referred to the Kathua rape incident during his address on Dr BR Ambedkar's birth anniversary, saying, "Our daughters will get justice". His detractors, however, called the response inadequate, demanding a formal statement to be issued by the Prime Minister's Office.

'Bharat Ki Baat, Sabke Saath' event took place in the Westminster's Central Hall in London and was moderated by noted Indian lyricist Prasoon Joshi.

Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to attend a dinner hosted by United Kingdom Prime Minister Theresa May for the leaders of the Commonwealth Nations.

Later on Thursday (local time), he will take part in the 2018 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting along with the other Commonwealth leaders.

(With inputs from ANI)

The prime minister did not specify if he was talking about a particular instance of rape but it was clear that his comments were in the context of the Kathua and Unnao gangrape cases.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said that it is shameful to play politics over the issues related to rapes and sexual assaults in the country. Prime Minister Modi's remarks come in the backdrop of a nationwide outrage over the rape cases in Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua and Uttar Pradesh's Unnao. Addressing a gathering at the event 'Bharat Ki Baat, Sabke Saath' in London, Prime Minister Modi said, "A rape is a rape. How can we tolerate this exploitation of our daughters?" "When a child is raped, do we compare metrics versus earlier governments? That is shameful. We cannot say there were this many rapes in our government and that many of yours. There cannot be a worse way to deal with this issue," the prime minister added. He further said that there is nothing worse than a child is raped, while raising a question to the audience that why do the parents get worried when their girl child comes late to home but never asks the boy child about his whereabouts. The person who is "committing the sin" is somebody's son Prime Minister Modi said while calling the rape incidents as a cause of concern for the entire nation. Read the full text of Modi's address at Central Hall Westminster In the Kathua case, an eight-year-old girl was allegedly drugged, tortured and gang-raped continuously for a week by eight people in Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua in January. In the Unnao case, the victim has alleged that she was raped by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar at his residence on June 4, 2017, where she had gone with a relative seeking a job. Modi said making India a secured nation for women is one of his utmost priority. "When I addressed the nation for the first time from the ramparts of Red Fort, I expressed anguish over the hardship faced by our women. Why they have to fear for their safety each evening after it gets dark?" #WATCH Live from London: Prime Minister Narendra Modi at #BharatKiBaatSabkeSaath event at Central Hall Westminster. https://t.co/fqYzelOaHy — ANI (@ANI) April 18, 2018 × Earlier, Modi had on Friday referred to the Kathua rape incident during his address on Dr BR Ambedkar's birth anniversary, saying, "Our daughters will get justice". His detractors, however, called the response inadequate, demanding a formal statement to be issued by the Prime Minister's Office. 'Bharat Ki Baat, Sabke Saath' event took place in the Westminster's Central Hall in London and was moderated by noted Indian lyricist Prasoon Joshi. Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to attend a dinner hosted by United Kingdom Prime Minister Theresa May for the leaders of the Commonwealth Nations. Later on Thursday (local time), he will take part in the 2018 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting along with the other Commonwealth leaders. (With inputs from ANI)

Rape is rape, don't politicise such issues: PM Narendra Modi at London event

While a lot of Bollywood stars have expressed their anger on the Kathua case, megastar Amitabh Bachchan has maintained a stoic silence over the matter so far. But the actor&nbsp;recently broke his silence over the matter at an event recently and said&nbsp;he feels "disgusted" by it.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

When asked about his reaction, the 75-year-old star, who has been the face of 'Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao' campaign, said it was painful to even talk about it. 
 
"Mujhe uss vishay par charcha karne mein ghin aati hai. So uss vishay ko uchhalo mat. It's terrible to even talk about it.&nbsp; 
 
"(I feel disgusted even talking about it. So, don't rake up this issue. It is terrible to even talk about it," Bachchan told reporters. 
 
The actor was speaking at the song launch of his upcoming film 102 Not Out, in which he stars along with Rishi Kapoor.&nbsp; 
 
Several Bollywood celebrities have reacted angrily over the incidents and have demanded justice for the victims of the Kathua, Unnao and Surat rape cases that have generated a massive outrage against the perpetrators. 
 
In Kathua district of Jammu and Kashmir, an eight-year-old child from a minority nomadic community was allegedly held in captivity in a small village temple for a week in January this year during which she was kept sedated and sexually assaulted before being bludgeoned to death. 
 
The incident has sparked massive, countrywide outrage among people.&nbsp;

(With PTI inputs)

While a lot of Bollywood stars have expressed their anger on the Kathua case, megastar Amitabh Bachchan has maintained a stoic silence over the matter so far.

While a lot of Bollywood stars have expressed their anger on the Kathua case, megastar Amitabh Bachchan has maintained a stoic silence over the matter so far. But the actor recently broke his silence over the matter at an event recently and said he feels "disgusted" by it. When asked about his reaction, the 75-year-old star, who has been the face of 'Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao' campaign, said it was painful to even talk about it. "Mujhe uss vishay par charcha karne mein ghin aati hai. So uss vishay ko uchhalo mat. It's terrible to even talk about it. "(I feel disgusted even talking about it. So, don't rake up this issue. It is terrible to even talk about it," Bachchan told reporters. The actor was speaking at the song launch of his upcoming film 102 Not Out, in which he stars along with Rishi Kapoor. Several Bollywood celebrities have reacted angrily over the incidents and have demanded justice for the victims of the Kathua, Unnao and Surat rape cases that have generated a massive outrage against the perpetrators. In Kathua district of Jammu and Kashmir, an eight-year-old child from a minority nomadic community was allegedly held in captivity in a small village temple for a week in January this year during which she was kept sedated and sexually assaulted before being bludgeoned to death. The incident has sparked massive, countrywide outrage among people. (With PTI inputs)

Amitabh Bachchan on Kathua rape case: It's terrible to even talk about it

India stood up Sunday to protest the recent Unnao and Kathua gang rapes.&nbsp;

Protests were held in Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Aligarh, Bhopal, and Goa and Kerala.&nbsp;

The Mumbai protest began at Bandra's Carter Road.&nbsp;

Ekta Kapoor had earlier tweeted: "Everyone should come. Whatever religion, gender or belief you belong to. For humanity, for justice..."&nbsp;

The Delhi protest is being held at Parliament Street where, news reports said, Swati Maliwal, the chief of the Delhi Women's Commission, is holding a hunger strike.

The Kathua and Unnao gang rapes have left the nation in shock.&nbsp;

In the first attack, an eight-year-old girl was kept captive in a temple in Kathua, Jammu. The child was sedated and gang-raped repeatedly.&nbsp;

The alleged mastermind was a retired revenue official and policemen were allegedly involved in the crime.&nbsp;

The Unnao gang rape only came to light when the girl and her family tried to immolate themselves outside the residence of the Uttar Pradesh chief minister.&nbsp;

The girl said she had been raped by the BJP MLA from Unnao Kuldeep Singh Sengar and his associates in May 2017 but had got no justice.&nbsp;

The girl's father died a few days later. He was reportedly beaten by Sengar's brother in front of the police who allegedly did nothing because of the MLA's clout.&nbsp;

Sengar's brother has been arrested. Sengar himself was finally arrested only after the CBI took over the case.&nbsp;

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Protest held over <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Unnao?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Unnao</a> & <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Kathua?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Kathua</a> rape cases at Carter Rd in Mumbai's Bandra <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Maharashtra?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Maharashtra</a> <a href="https://t.co/u3aCXue1fE">pic.twitter.com/u3aCXue1fE</a>
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Protest held at Parliament Street against Unnao & Kathua rape cases. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Delhi?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Delhi</a> <a href="https://t.co/JPAAiIgKMT">pic.twitter.com/JPAAiIgKMT</a>
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&nbsp;

Protests were held in Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Aligarh, Bhopal, and Goa and Kerala

India stood up Sunday to protest the recent Unnao and Kathua gang rapes. Protests were held in Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Aligarh, Bhopal, and Goa and Kerala. The Mumbai protest began at Bandra's Carter Road. Ekta Kapoor had earlier tweeted: "Everyone should come. Whatever religion, gender or belief you belong to. For humanity, for justice..." The Delhi protest is being held at Parliament Street where, news reports said, Swati Maliwal, the chief of the Delhi Women's Commission, is holding a hunger strike. The Kathua and Unnao gang rapes have left the nation in shock. In the first attack, an eight-year-old girl was kept captive in a temple in Kathua, Jammu. The child was sedated and gang-raped repeatedly. The alleged mastermind was a retired revenue official and policemen were allegedly involved in the crime. The Unnao gang rape only came to light when the girl and her family tried to immolate themselves outside the residence of the Uttar Pradesh chief minister. The girl said she had been raped by the BJP MLA from Unnao Kuldeep Singh Sengar and his associates in May 2017 but had got no justice. The girl's father died a few days later. He was reportedly beaten by Sengar's brother in front of the police who allegedly did nothing because of the MLA's clout. Sengar's brother has been arrested. Sengar himself was finally arrested only after the CBI took over the case. Protest held over #Unnao & #Kathua rape cases at Carter Rd in Mumbai's Bandra #Maharashtra pic.twitter.com/u3aCXue1fE — ANI (@ANI) April 15, 2018 × Protest held at Parliament Street against Unnao & Kathua rape cases. #Delhi pic.twitter.com/JPAAiIgKMT — ANI (@ANI) April 15, 2018 ×

India stands up to protest against Kathua, Unnao gang rapes

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