Trigger warning: Some readers may find details of this report disturbing. Discretion is advised.

The prime suspect in one of the most chilling murder cases of the country - Nithari killings - Surinder Koli and co-accused Maninder Singh Pandher were acquitted by the Allahabad High Court on Monday (Oct 16). Surinder Koli was acquitted by the court in 12 cases and co-accused Maninder Singh Pandher in two cases.&nbsp;

Surinder Koli and Moninder Singh Pandher, who were earlier awarded death sentences on the charges of murder and rape, were acquitted by the high court on the basis of lack of evidence.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
Surinder Koli had 16 cases registered against him by the CBI on the charges of alleged murder, abduction, rape of women and the destruction of evidence. The&nbsp;employer&nbsp;of Koli, Maninder Singh Pandher, was also booked in a case of trafficking.

“The Allahabad High Court has acquitted Moninder Singh Pandher in the two appeals against him. There were a total of six cases against him. Koli has been acquitted in all appeals against him here,” said Pandher's lawyer Manisha Bhandari, while speaking to news agency ANI.

Here’s a recap of the gruesome Nithari killings which shook the nation.

<h2>2006</h2>

In December 2006, the killings first came to light after the discovery of human remains in a drain which was located near Pandher's house in the Nithari area of Noida. Pandher along with his domestic help, Koli faced charges of abduction and rape of women and children from the villages near Nithari. They were accused of committing acts of cannibalism, and then throwing their dead bodies in a drain in the locality.

On December 29, 2006, Pandher and Koli were arrested after skeletons and other things of some missing girls were discovered by the police from the drain which was located outside their house in Nithari. It was alleged that Koli had killed many girls and chopped their bodies in pieces before disposing them in the backyard outside their house. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Between 2006 and 2009, the Nithari house was visited by many CBI teams and the accused was interrogated. The police then registered 19 FIRs against Pandher and Koli in relation to the crimes committed by them against 19 different girls, and then chargesheets were filed by the CBI in 16 of them. &nbsp;The police cannot file chargesheets in three FIRs because the “offence couldn’t be ascertained”, stated sources.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhis-384k-money-heist-miscreants-pose-as-law-enforcement-officers-647166">India: Miscreants pose as law enforcement officers in Delhi's $384k money heist</a>

<h2>2009</h2>

A special CBI court on February 13, 2009, convicted Koli and Pandher and sentenced them to death for the rape and killing of 14-year-old Rimpa Haldar, who was one of the various victims.

Special CBI judge Rama Jain, pronouncing the sentence, stated that the crimes committed by then 38-year-old Koli and then 55-year-old Pandher were among the rarest of rare and deserved capital punishment.

The counsel of the victim’s family Khalid Khan said that the verdict was a “slap on the face of the CBI” which earlier gave a clean chit to Pandher.

“When the first incident of abduction, rape and murder of Rimpa Haldar took place on February 8, 2005, Pandher was out of the country in Australia. The opinion formed by the CBI in all the 16 cases was based on legally admissible evidence and the result of the investigation,” said the CBI, in a press release.

<h2>2014</h2>

The mercy petitions of the duo were rejected by India's then-President Pranab Mukherjee in July 2014. However, their execution was stayed by the court in September of that year. The death sentence of Koli was commuted to life imprisonment by the Supreme Court in September 2014. The families of the victims challenged the matter.&nbsp;

<h2>2015&nbsp;</h2>

Surender Koli's death sentence was commuted to life imprisonment in January 2015 by the Allahabad High Court on the basis of “inordinate delay” in the decision of his mercy petition. A division bench, which comprised of Justice P K S Baghel and Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud, held that the execution of the death sentence of Koli would be “unconstitutional in view of the inordinate delay” in the decision regarding his mercy petition.

<h2>2017</h2>

In Ghaziabad, a CBI special court awarded a death sentence to Surendra Koli and Moninder Singh Pandher in connection with one of the killing cases. The sentence was pronounced by the court in the case of rape and killing of a 25-year-old help.

This was the ninth among the cases in which the court had convicted Koli. This was also the third case in which the court had convicted both Koli and Pandher. &nbsp;

The court was informed by the CBI that the victim, who was a domestic help, had been missing from October 12, 2006. The police had identified her through her clothes found among the human remains in the area behind the house of Pandher, said the agency.

WATCH |&nbsp;India: Bengaluru reports 12,600 cybercrime cases | Online job scam fraud in Bengaluru | WION

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<h2>2022</h2>

A special CBI court in Ghaziabad awarded the death penalty to Surinder Koli. The death sentence was announced by the court in connection with killing charges against the accused. Seven years of imprisonment was awarded by the judge to Moninder Singh Pandher in the case, along with a fine of Rs 62,000 on Koli and Rs 4,000 on Pandher, said officials.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Koli was held guilty of destroying proof of crime, conspiracy, murder and rape, and Pandher faced accusations of immoral trafficking. Death sentences were handed to Koli in more than 10 cases earlier. Pandher was also sentenced to death by the court in three cases.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Trigger warning: Some readers may find details of this report disturbing. Discretion is advised. The prime suspect in one of the most chilling murder cases of the country - Nithari killings - Surinder Koli and co-accused Maninder Singh Pandher were acquitted by the Allahabad High Court on Monday (Oct 16).

Trigger warning: Some readers may find details of this report disturbing. Discretion is advised. The prime suspect in one of the most chilling murder cases of the country - Nithari killings - Surinder Koli and co-accused Maninder Singh Pandher were acquitted by the Allahabad High Court on Monday (Oct 16). Surinder Koli was acquitted by the court in 12 cases and co-accused Maninder Singh Pandher in two cases. Surinder Koli and Moninder Singh Pandher, who were earlier awarded death sentences on the charges of murder and rape, were acquitted by the high court on the basis of lack of evidence. Surinder Koli had 16 cases registered against him by the CBI on the charges of alleged murder, abduction, rape of women and the destruction of evidence. The employer of Koli, Maninder Singh Pandher, was also booked in a case of trafficking. “The Allahabad High Court has acquitted Moninder Singh Pandher in the two appeals against him. There were a total of six cases against him. Koli has been acquitted in all appeals against him here,” said Pandher's lawyer Manisha Bhandari, while speaking to news agency ANI. Here’s a recap of the gruesome Nithari killings which shook the nation. 2006 In December 2006, the killings first came to light after the discovery of human remains in a drain which was located near Pandher's house in the Nithari area of Noida. Pandher along with his domestic help, Koli faced charges of abduction and rape of women and children from the villages near Nithari. They were accused of committing acts of cannibalism, and then throwing their dead bodies in a drain in the locality. On December 29, 2006, Pandher and Koli were arrested after skeletons and other things of some missing girls were discovered by the police from the drain which was located outside their house in Nithari. It was alleged that Koli had killed many girls and chopped their bodies in pieces before disposing them in the backyard outside their house. Between 2006 and 2009, the Nithari house was visited by many CBI teams and the accused was interrogated. The police then registered 19 FIRs against Pandher and Koli in relation to the crimes committed by them against 19 different girls, and then chargesheets were filed by the CBI in 16 of them. The police cannot file chargesheets in three FIRs because the “offence couldn’t be ascertained”, stated sources. ALSO READ | India: Miscreants pose as law enforcement officers in Delhi's $384k money heist 2009 A special CBI court on February 13, 2009, convicted Koli and Pandher and sentenced them to death for the rape and killing of 14-year-old Rimpa Haldar, who was one of the various victims. Special CBI judge Rama Jain, pronouncing the sentence, stated that the crimes committed by then 38-year-old Koli and then 55-year-old Pandher were among the rarest of rare and deserved capital punishment. The counsel of the victim’s family Khalid Khan said that the verdict was a “slap on the face of the CBI” which earlier gave a clean chit to Pandher. “When the first incident of abduction, rape and murder of Rimpa Haldar took place on February 8, 2005, Pandher was out of the country in Australia. The opinion formed by the CBI in all the 16 cases was based on legally admissible evidence and the result of the investigation,” said the CBI, in a press release. 2014 The mercy petitions of the duo were rejected by India's then-President Pranab Mukherjee in July 2014. However, their execution was stayed by the court in September of that year. The death sentence of Koli was commuted to life imprisonment by the Supreme Court in September 2014. The families of the victims challenged the matter. 2015 Surender Koli's death sentence was commuted to life imprisonment in January 2015 by the Allahabad High Court on the basis of “inordinate delay” in the decision of his mercy petition. A division bench, which comprised of Justice P K S Baghel and Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud, held that the execution of the death sentence of Koli would be “unconstitutional in view of the inordinate delay” in the decision regarding his mercy petition. 2017 In Ghaziabad, a CBI special court awarded a death sentence to Surendra Koli and Moninder Singh Pandher in connection with one of the killing cases. The sentence was pronounced by the court in the case of rape and killing of a 25-year-old help. This was the ninth among the cases in which the court had convicted Koli. This was also the third case in which the court had convicted both Koli and Pandher. The court was informed by the CBI that the victim, who was a domestic help, had been missing from October 12, 2006. The police had identified her through her clothes found among the human remains in the area behind the house of Pandher, said the agency. WATCH | India: Bengaluru reports 12,600 cybercrime cases | Online job scam fraud in Bengaluru | WION 2022 A special CBI court in Ghaziabad awarded the death penalty to Surinder Koli. The death sentence was announced by the court in connection with killing charges against the accused. Seven years of imprisonment was awarded by the judge to Moninder Singh Pandher in the case, along with a fine of Rs 62,000 on Koli and Rs 4,000 on Pandher, said officials. Meanwhile, Koli was held guilty of destroying proof of crime, conspiracy, murder and rape, and Pandher faced accusations of immoral trafficking. Death sentences were handed to Koli in more than 10 cases earlier. Pandher was also sentenced to death by the court in three cases. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Nithari killings 2006: How reports of cannibalism, rapes and gory murders unfolded

Trigger warning: This story contains graphic descriptions of violence, including that of sexual nature. Discretion is advised.

As part of the 15-month war, dozens of women and girls were gang-raped by the tigrayan fighters in two towns in Ethiopia's Amhara region last year, Amnesty International said on Wednesday, a fresh example of the horrific toll endured by the region.

Thirty (30) rape survivors, some as young as 14, and other victims of violence were interviewed by the rights watchdog to get a better picture of the atrocities in Chenna and Kobo in August and September after rebels from the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) seized control of the towns.

In nearly half of the cases of sexual violence, victims were gang-raped; doctors told Amnesty that some survivors had suffered lacerations after rifle bayonets were inserted into their genitals.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/what-lies-ahead-for-ethiopia-as-war-enters-second-year-428831">What lies ahead for Ethiopia as war enters second year</a>

According to a 14-year-old schoolgirl and her mother, both were raped by TPLF fighters who claimed the attacks were revenge for the atrocities their own families had suffered.

"One of them raped me in the courtyard and the other raped my mother inside the house," she said.

"My mother is very sick now, she is very depressed and desperate. We don't speak about what happened; it is impossible."

The investigation follows the publication of an Amnesty report in November exposing tigrayan rebels' sexual assaults in the Amhara town of Nifas Mewcha.

"Evidence is mounting of a pattern of Tigrayan forces committing war crimes and possible crimes against humanity in areas under their control in the Amhara region from July 2021 onwards.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ethiopia-raps-who-chief-for-supporting-rebellion-tigray-forces-444866">Ethiopia raps WHO chief for ‘supporting’ rebellion Tigray forces</a>

"This includes repeated incidents of widespread rape, summary killings and looting, including from hospitals," Amnesty's deputy director for East Africa, Sarah Jackson, said.

Revenge killings&nbsp;

Kobo residents reported that TPLF fighters shot dead unarmed civilians in a revenge killing spree after facing resistance from Amhara militias.

"The first dead bodies we saw were by the school fence. There were 20 bodies lying in their underwear and facing the fence and three more bodies in the school compound. Most were shot at the back of their heads and some in the back.

"Those who were shot at the back of their heads could not be recognised because their faces were partially blown off," one male resident said.

Satellite imagery analysis by the watchdog revealed the existence of new graveyards that the villagers also mentioned.

Amnesty International reports that the TPLF did not respond to the latest accusations. However, the rebel group has previously criticized the watchdog over its report on alleged atrocities in Nifas Mewcha, saying it would conduct its own investigation and prosecute the perpetrators.

Watch |&nbsp;Ethiopia: UN report on horrific accounts of rape and torture in Tigray region

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Many thousands of people have been killed and hundreds of thousands are on the edge of starvation in northern Ethiopia as a result of the war.

Amnesty International previously documented hundreds of women and girls raped in Tigray by Ethiopian and Eritrean soldiers.

In a joint report by UN rights chief Michelle Bachelet's office and the government-affiliated Ethiopian Human Rights Commission, last November it was concluded that there had been "serious abuses" on all sides and that some of them may amount to crimes against humanity.

(With inputs from agencies)

Trigger warning: This story contains graphic descriptions of violence, including that of sexual nature. Discretion is advised. As part of the 15-month war, dozens of women and girls were gang-raped by the tigrayan fighters in two towns in Ethiopia's Amhara region last year, Amnesty International said on Wednesday, a fresh example of the horrific toll endured by the region.

Trigger warning: This story contains graphic descriptions of violence, including that of sexual nature. Discretion is advised. As part of the 15-month war, dozens of women and girls were gang-raped by the tigrayan fighters in two towns in Ethiopia's Amhara region last year, Amnesty International said on Wednesday, a fresh example of the horrific toll endured by the region. Thirty (30) rape survivors, some as young as 14, and other victims of violence were interviewed by the rights watchdog to get a better picture of the atrocities in Chenna and Kobo in August and September after rebels from the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) seized control of the towns. In nearly half of the cases of sexual violence, victims were gang-raped; doctors told Amnesty that some survivors had suffered lacerations after rifle bayonets were inserted into their genitals. Also read | What lies ahead for Ethiopia as war enters second year According to a 14-year-old schoolgirl and her mother, both were raped by TPLF fighters who claimed the attacks were revenge for the atrocities their own families had suffered. "One of them raped me in the courtyard and the other raped my mother inside the house," she said. "My mother is very sick now, she is very depressed and desperate. We don't speak about what happened; it is impossible." The investigation follows the publication of an Amnesty report in November exposing tigrayan rebels' sexual assaults in the Amhara town of Nifas Mewcha. "Evidence is mounting of a pattern of Tigrayan forces committing war crimes and possible crimes against humanity in areas under their control in the Amhara region from July 2021 onwards. Also read | Ethiopia raps WHO chief for ‘supporting’ rebellion Tigray forces "This includes repeated incidents of widespread rape, summary killings and looting, including from hospitals," Amnesty's deputy director for East Africa, Sarah Jackson, said. Revenge killings Kobo residents reported that TPLF fighters shot dead unarmed civilians in a revenge killing spree after facing resistance from Amhara militias. "The first dead bodies we saw were by the school fence. There were 20 bodies lying in their underwear and facing the fence and three more bodies in the school compound. Most were shot at the back of their heads and some in the back. "Those who were shot at the back of their heads could not be recognised because their faces were partially blown off," one male resident said. Satellite imagery analysis by the watchdog revealed the existence of new graveyards that the villagers also mentioned. Amnesty International reports that the TPLF did not respond to the latest accusations. However, the rebel group has previously criticized the watchdog over its report on alleged atrocities in Nifas Mewcha, saying it would conduct its own investigation and prosecute the perpetrators. Watch | Ethiopia: UN report on horrific accounts of rape and torture in Tigray region Many thousands of people have been killed and hundreds of thousands are on the edge of starvation in northern Ethiopia as a result of the war. Amnesty International previously documented hundreds of women and girls raped in Tigray by Ethiopian and Eritrean soldiers. In a joint report by UN rights chief Michelle Bachelet's office and the government-affiliated Ethiopian Human Rights Commission, last November it was concluded that there had been "serious abuses" on all sides and that some of them may amount to crimes against humanity. (With inputs from agencies)

Revenge killing, gang-rapes; Amnesty international reports the horrific toll endured by Tigray

An annual UN report has said that 20 countries still allow rapists to marry their victims in a bid to avoid criminal prosecution.&nbsp;

According to the annual report on the state of world population, Russia, Thailand and Venezuela are part of nations that allow rapists to escape publishment if they agree on marrying the women or girls they have assaulted.&nbsp;

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"The denial of rights cannot be shielded in law. 'Marry your rapist' laws shift the burden of guilt on to the victim and try to sanitise a situation which is criminal," Dr Natalia Kanem, executive director of the UN Population Fund (UNFPA)&nbsp;which released the report on Wednesday, was quoted as saying by The Guardian.&nbsp;

Dima Dabbous, director of Equality Now's Middle East and Africa region, whose research is mentioned in the UN report said such rules reflected a culture "that does not think women should have bodily autonomy and that they are the property of the family. It's a tribal and antiquated approach to sexuality and honour mixed together".

Also read | <a href="http://wionews.com/world/women-are-calling-out-rape-culture-in-uk-schools-375084">Women are calling out ‘rape culture’ in UK schools</a>

She also added that it's "very difficult" to change these laws, but not "impossible".&nbsp;

Dabbous gave the example of Morocco where a woman killed herself when she was asked to marry her rapist, something that forced the country to repeal the law.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

An annual UN report has said that 20 countries still allow rapists to marry their victims in a bid to avoid criminal prosecution. According to the annual report on the state of world population, Russia, Thailand and Venezuela are part of nations that allow rapists to escape publishment if they agree on marrying the women or girls they have assaulted.

An annual UN report has said that 20 countries still allow rapists to marry their victims in a bid to avoid criminal prosecution. According to the annual report on the state of world population, Russia, Thailand and Venezuela are part of nations that allow rapists to escape publishment if they agree on marrying the women or girls they have assaulted. Also read | Protest erupts in Pak demanding Imran Khan to apologise over rape statement "The denial of rights cannot be shielded in law. 'Marry your rapist' laws shift the burden of guilt on to the victim and try to sanitise a situation which is criminal," Dr Natalia Kanem, executive director of the UN Population Fund (UNFPA) which released the report on Wednesday, was quoted as saying by The Guardian. Dima Dabbous, director of Equality Now's Middle East and Africa region, whose research is mentioned in the UN report said such rules reflected a culture "that does not think women should have bodily autonomy and that they are the property of the family. It's a tribal and antiquated approach to sexuality and honour mixed together". Also read | Women are calling out ‘rape culture’ in UK schools She also added that it's "very difficult" to change these laws, but not "impossible". Dabbous gave the example of Morocco where a woman killed herself when she was asked to marry her rapist, something that forced the country to repeal the law.

'Marry your rapist' laws still practised in 20 countries to prevent justice: UN

Pakistan is witnessing a watershed moment.

Two horrific incidents seem to have shaken the collective conscience of the civil society in the country.

A five-year-old was raped and murdered in Karachi. And a mother of two was gang-raped in Lahore in front of her children.

Following this, there was a palpable outrage on the social media.

And adding insult to injury were insensitive remarks like 'Why did she take that route?'

This was said by the Lahore police chief Umar Shaikh. He had started his investigation by questioning the choices of the victim.

"Why didn't she take a diffrent route? Why didn't she check the petrol in her car? By saying this, my intention is not to paint her as the victim. I just want to remind them about the reality of our society. People with sisters and daughters should be cautious from now on," he further said.

"See, her family and husband are from france. She did what she did because she had france in her orientation," he added.

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The reality is the victim's car broke down on a highway. She was driving home along with her two kids. She called her relatives and the highway police helpline. But before they could arrive, the woman was dragged out of her car by some locals.

She was then raped at gunpoint in front of her children.

The lahore police chief hasn't spoken a word condemning the ghastly crime since then. But instead is indulging in blatant victim-shaming.

Meanwhile, in Karachi, a minor was raped.

A five-year-old who stepped outside her house to buy biscuits was kidnapped. She was raped and then murdered.

Her body was found in a garbage heap two days later. The autopsy report reveals that the victim was hit in the head and set on fire.

There is massive public fury -- hundreds of women have hit the streets in Islamabad, and are demanding the police chief's resignation and a death sentence for the rapists.

There's outrage on social media as well. People are holding Imran Khan responsible for the worsening situation of women in their country.

They point out how their prime minister has failed to take action in previous cases of rapes. They want action this time not words.

"The protection of women is the first priority and responsibility of the government," Imran Khan said in response.

But this is the same person who once blamed Bollywood for the rapes.

So can anything be expected from him? No, we say.

Pakistan is witnessing a watershed moment. Two horrific incidents seem to have shaken the collective conscience of the civil society in the country. A five-year-old was raped and murdered in Karachi.

Pakistan is witnessing a watershed moment. Two horrific incidents seem to have shaken the collective conscience of the civil society in the country. A five-year-old was raped and murdered in Karachi. And a mother of two was gang-raped in Lahore in front of her children. Following this, there was a palpable outrage on the social media. And adding insult to injury were insensitive remarks like 'Why did she take that route?' This was said by the Lahore police chief Umar Shaikh. He had started his investigation by questioning the choices of the victim. "Why didn't she take a diffrent route? Why didn't she check the petrol in her car? By saying this, my intention is not to paint her as the victim. I just want to remind them about the reality of our society. People with sisters and daughters should be cautious from now on," he further said. "See, her family and husband are from france. She did what she did because she had france in her orientation," he added. × The reality is the victim's car broke down on a highway. She was driving home along with her two kids. She called her relatives and the highway police helpline. But before they could arrive, the woman was dragged out of her car by some locals. She was then raped at gunpoint in front of her children. The lahore police chief hasn't spoken a word condemning the ghastly crime since then. But instead is indulging in blatant victim-shaming. Meanwhile, in Karachi, a minor was raped. A five-year-old who stepped outside her house to buy biscuits was kidnapped. She was raped and then murdered. Her body was found in a garbage heap two days later. The autopsy report reveals that the victim was hit in the head and set on fire. There is massive public fury -- hundreds of women have hit the streets in Islamabad, and are demanding the police chief's resignation and a death sentence for the rapists. There's outrage on social media as well. People are holding Imran Khan responsible for the worsening situation of women in their country. They point out how their prime minister has failed to take action in previous cases of rapes. They want action this time not words. "The protection of women is the first priority and responsibility of the government," Imran Khan said in response. But this is the same person who once blamed Bollywood for the rapes. So can anything be expected from him? No, we say.

Pak's watershed moment: Two horrific rapes and social media outrage

Senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi reaffirmed on Saturday that he would not apologise for his remarks on rape, adding that he will not seek foregiveness for stating "truth".

"BJP yesterday told me 'Rahul you gave a speech, apologise for that'. I was asked to apologise for speaking something correct. I am not Rahul Savarkar. I am Rahul Gandhi. I will never apologise for truth," Rahul said while addressing Congress's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/priyanka-gandhi-slams-bjp-government-on-economy-citizenship-bill-268260">Bharat Bachao </a>rally at the iconic Ramlila Maidan in New Delhi.

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Rahul also said that no Congress member will apologise for the comments.&nbsp;

On Friday, a ruckus erupted in the Parliament for Rahul's remarks where he said that the country is witnessing <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rajya-sabha-adjourned-after-uproar-over-rahul-gandhis-remark-268035">"Rape in India" </a>rather than PM Narendra Modi's ambitious programme "Make in India", referring to rising number of rape incidents in the recent days. &nbsp;

Rahul later clarified on Friday that he meant whenever one reads a newspaper, there is a report of rape in different parts of India instead of a story on 'Make in India'. He had also said that BJP sought his apology as it wanted to deflect attention from protests in the northeast.&nbsp;

At the Bharat Bachao rally, the senior Congress leader also pulled up BJP government for creating religious divisions, mentioning the situation in Jammu and Kashmir and northeast India.&nbsp;

"They (BJP) work to create divisions, between religions. in Jammu and Kashmir, in northeast. Go to Assam, Mizoram, Manipur, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh. Go and witness what Narendra Modi did there, he has set those regions on fire."

Rahul Gandhi also slammed the Centre for the economic crisis in the country. "Today, GDP growth is at 4 per cent, that too even after they (BJP) changed the way to measure GDP. If GDP is measured according to the previous method, it will be just 2.5 per cent."

Earlier, senior Congress leaders Priyanka Gandhi and P Chidambaram also slammed BJP government in the rally.&nbsp;

(with inputs from agencies)

Senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi reaffirmed on Saturday that he would not apologise for his remarks on rape, adding that he will not seek foregiveness for stating "truth".

Senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi reaffirmed on Saturday that he would not apologise for his remarks on rape, adding that he will not seek foregiveness for stating "truth". "BJP yesterday told me 'Rahul you gave a speech, apologise for that'. I was asked to apologise for speaking something correct. I am not Rahul Savarkar. I am Rahul Gandhi. I will never apologise for truth," Rahul said while addressing Congress's Bharat Bachao rally at the iconic Ramlila Maidan in New Delhi. #WATCH: Rahul Gandhi,at 'Bharat Bachao' rally: I was told in Parliament by BJP y'day 'Rahul ji, you gave a speech. Apologise for that.' I was told to apologise for speaking something correct. My name is not Rahul Savarkar. My name is Rahul Gandhi. I will never apologise for truth pic.twitter.com/DhgFyZNX1a — ANI (@ANI) December 14, 2019 × Rahul also said that no Congress member will apologise for the comments. On Friday, a ruckus erupted in the Parliament for Rahul's remarks where he said that the country is witnessing "Rape in India" rather than PM Narendra Modi's ambitious programme "Make in India", referring to rising number of rape incidents in the recent days. Rahul later clarified on Friday that he meant whenever one reads a newspaper, there is a report of rape in different parts of India instead of a story on 'Make in India'. He had also said that BJP sought his apology as it wanted to deflect attention from protests in the northeast. At the Bharat Bachao rally, the senior Congress leader also pulled up BJP government for creating religious divisions, mentioning the situation in Jammu and Kashmir and northeast India. "They (BJP) work to create divisions, between religions. in Jammu and Kashmir, in northeast. Go to Assam, Mizoram, Manipur, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh. Go and witness what Narendra Modi did there, he has set those regions on fire." Rahul Gandhi also slammed the Centre for the economic crisis in the country. "Today, GDP growth is at 4 per cent, that too even after they (BJP) changed the way to measure GDP. If GDP is measured according to the previous method, it will be just 2.5 per cent." Earlier, senior Congress leaders Priyanka Gandhi and P Chidambaram also slammed BJP government in the rally. (with inputs from agencies)

Won't apologise for 'Rape in India' remarks': Rahul Gandhi at Congress rally

The last rites of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/all-demands-of-unnao-rape-victims-family-accepted-lucknow-commissioner-266937">Unnao rape victim</a> were conducted by her family amidst heavy security on Sunday, after receiving assurance from the administration that all their demands will be met. 
 
The last rites were performed on a piece of land belonging to the victim's family. 
 
Cabinet ministers in the Uttar Pradesh government Swami Prasad Maurya and Kamal Rani Varun also arrived in Unnao to meet the bereaved family and attend the last rites of the deceased. 
 
"We are committed to punishing the culprits and we, including the Chief Minister, are standing in solidarity with the bereaved family. We will do anything to punish the culprits, a fast track court has been set up to nail them," Maurya told reporters here. 
 
The minister also urged the Opposition parties to stop politicising the matter of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/unnao-rape-case-government-gives-rs-25-lakh-compensation-to-victims-family-trial-in-fast-track-court-266837">death of the Unnao rape victim</a>. 
 
Earlier, the Uttar Pradesh administration had said that all the demands of the victim's family have been accepted. 
 
Lucknow Divisional Commissioner Mukesh Meshram said that they held talks with the victim's family and assured them of all possible help and assistance. 
 
"Whatever their demands,&nbsp;that case should be put to trial in fast track court so that culprits are given strictest punishment on time...apart from that, the family of the deceased victim is poor, and their resources are very limited. We would provide them facilities which can be sanctioned by the government," Meshram said while speaking to reporters here. 
 
The administration had also assured of giving round the clock protection to the victim's sister and issuance of an arms license to her brother based on their demands and apart from this the family's demand to meet Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath had also been accepted. 
 
Along with these, Meshram, during the course of his meeting with the victim's family, had also assured two houses under Prime Minister Awas Yojna to them. 
 
After battling for life at Delhi's Safdarjung Hospital, the victim, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/with-86-rape-cases-in-unnao-up-justice-minister-vows-not-to-spare-culprits-266778">who was set ablaze</a> while on her way to a court hearing on Thursday morning, died at 11:40 pm on Friday. 
 
The 23-year-old was airlifted from Lucknow's SMC Government Hospital to Delhi for treatment at Safdarjung Hospital on Thursday. 
 
According to the police, the five accused had allegedly thrown kerosene on the woman and set her ablaze when she was on her way to a local court for the hearing of the case she had filed in March.

The last rites of the Unnao rape victim were conducted by her family amidst heavy security on Sunday, after receiving assurance from the administration that all their demands will be met.

The last rites of the Unnao rape victim were conducted by her family amidst heavy security on Sunday, after receiving assurance from the administration that all their demands will be met. The last rites were performed on a piece of land belonging to the victim's family. Cabinet ministers in the Uttar Pradesh government Swami Prasad Maurya and Kamal Rani Varun also arrived in Unnao to meet the bereaved family and attend the last rites of the deceased. "We are committed to punishing the culprits and we, including the Chief Minister, are standing in solidarity with the bereaved family. We will do anything to punish the culprits, a fast track court has been set up to nail them," Maurya told reporters here. The minister also urged the Opposition parties to stop politicising the matter of the death of the Unnao rape victim. Earlier, the Uttar Pradesh administration had said that all the demands of the victim's family have been accepted. Lucknow Divisional Commissioner Mukesh Meshram said that they held talks with the victim's family and assured them of all possible help and assistance. "Whatever their demands, that case should be put to trial in fast track court so that culprits are given strictest punishment on time...apart from that, the family of the deceased victim is poor, and their resources are very limited. We would provide them facilities which can be sanctioned by the government," Meshram said while speaking to reporters here. The administration had also assured of giving round the clock protection to the victim's sister and issuance of an arms license to her brother based on their demands and apart from this the family's demand to meet Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath had also been accepted. Along with these, Meshram, during the course of his meeting with the victim's family, had also assured two houses under Prime Minister Awas Yojna to them. After battling for life at Delhi's Safdarjung Hospital, the victim, who was set ablaze while on her way to a court hearing on Thursday morning, died at 11:40 pm on Friday. The 23-year-old was airlifted from Lucknow's SMC Government Hospital to Delhi for treatment at Safdarjung Hospital on Thursday. According to the police, the five accused had allegedly thrown kerosene on the woman and set her ablaze when she was on her way to a local court for the hearing of the case she had filed in March.

UP: Last rites of Unnao victim conducted with cabinet ministers in attendance

As the nationwide anger over <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/reactions-divided-over-hyderabad-rape-and-murder-accused-encounter-266576">gruesome rapes </a>in the last few days grows, President Ram Nath Kovind said child rapists should not be allowed to file mercy petition.&nbsp;

"Rape convicts under POCSO Act should not have right to file mercy petition. Parliament should review mercy petitions," President Kovind said at an event in Sirohi in Rajasthan.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> "Women safety is a serious issue. Rape convicts under POCSO Act should not have right to file mercy petition. Parliament should review mercy petitions,"President Ram Nath Kovind at an event in Sirohi, Rajasthan <a href="https://t.co/0noGCUaNhQ">pic.twitter.com/0noGCUaNhQ</a>
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The president's comments came after the mercy petition of one of the convicts in the horrific Nirbhaya rape case in Delhi was sent to him by the union home ministry. The mercy plea was earlier rejected by the Delhi government.

President Kovind's sharp reactions also came amid nationwide outrage over the horrific gang-rape and murder of a 25-year-old veterinarian in Hyderabad.&nbsp;

Earlier, Vinay Sharma, one of the convicts of the 2012 Delhi rape has sent his mercy plea to the president to prevent capital punishment. The petition has already been dismissed by Delhi Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal.

On December 16, 2012, a 23-year-old paramedic student was brutally gang-raped in the national capital. The victim later succumbed to her injuries.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

As the nationwide anger over gruesome rapes in the last few days grows, President Ram Nath Kovind said child rapists should not be allowed to file mercy petition.

As the nationwide anger over gruesome rapes in the last few days grows, President Ram Nath Kovind said child rapists should not be allowed to file mercy petition. "Rape convicts under POCSO Act should not have right to file mercy petition. Parliament should review mercy petitions," President Kovind said at an event in Sirohi in Rajasthan. #WATCH "Women safety is a serious issue. Rape convicts under POCSO Act should not have right to file mercy petition. Parliament should review mercy petitions,"President Ram Nath Kovind at an event in Sirohi, Rajasthan pic.twitter.com/0noGCUaNhQ — ANI (@ANI) December 6, 2019 × The president's comments came after the mercy petition of one of the convicts in the horrific Nirbhaya rape case in Delhi was sent to him by the union home ministry. The mercy plea was earlier rejected by the Delhi government. President Kovind's sharp reactions also came amid nationwide outrage over the horrific gang-rape and murder of a 25-year-old veterinarian in Hyderabad. Earlier, Vinay Sharma, one of the convicts of the 2012 Delhi rape has sent his mercy plea to the president to prevent capital punishment. The petition has already been dismissed by Delhi Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal. On December 16, 2012, a 23-year-old paramedic student was brutally gang-raped in the national capital. The victim later succumbed to her injuries.

There should be no mercy petition for child rapists: President Ram Nath Kovind

Understanding China's Institutionalised Abuse Of Uighurs.

Gravitas: Medical experiments, torture & rapes - how China treats Uighurs

A California man has been arrested in connection to rapes committed in the 1990s after his DNA was linked to the crime scenes through commercial genealogy websites, which initially turned up both the suspect and his twin, police said on Friday.

Kevin Konther, 53, was taken into custody on Thursday at his home in Southern California and booked on suspicion of rape, kidnapping and child sexual abuse, Orange County Sheriff's spokeswoman Carrie Braun said. One of the victims was nine years old at the time of the attack.

Konther was identified as a suspect by sheriff's detectives using techniques similar to those used in recent years to help solve a number of older crimes. Last year, a 73-year-old former police officer was arrested over the 'Golden State Killer' string of murders and rapes across California in the 1970s and 1980s.

In investigating the 1990s rapes, which were committed in Orange County, investigators working with the Federal Bureau of Investigation compared DNA samples collected at two crime scenes to that found on the websites used by consumers to trace their ancestry, Braun said.

Detectives use the sites to follow the family trees of matches, seeking blood relatives who roughly fit the profile of the suspected criminal.

Both Konther and his twin brother were taken into custody on Thursday before investigators identified Konther as the suspect and released his brother, who has not been publicly identified, Braun said. She declined to name the website used or the family member whose DNA led to the suspect.

Konther was being held in lieu of $1 million bail pending an initial court appearance scheduled for Monday, where he will be arraigned on two counts of felony rape, oral copulation on a child under the age of 14, lewd and lascivious acts on a child under 14 and aggravated sexual assault.

The sheriff's department asked the public to come forward with any information about the case. It was not immediately clear if Konther had retained an attorney.

The nine-year-old victim was walking home from a Lake Forest, California convenience store on the evening of October 21, 1995, when a man pulled her into a wooded area and raped her, according to the sheriff's department.

Three years later, a 31-year-old woman jogging on a trail in Mission Viejo, California, was pulled into the bushes by a man who raped her before fleeing.

Both victims reported the attacks to police but for more than two decades the DNA collected did not match any suspects in an FBI database, Braun said.

A California man has been arrested in connection to rapes committed in the 1990s after his DNA was linked to the crime scenes through commercial genealogy websites, which initially turned up both the suspect and his twin, police said on Friday.

A California man has been arrested in connection to rapes committed in the 1990s after his DNA was linked to the crime scenes through commercial genealogy websites, which initially turned up both the suspect and his twin, police said on Friday. Kevin Konther, 53, was taken into custody on Thursday at his home in Southern California and booked on suspicion of rape, kidnapping and child sexual abuse, Orange County Sheriff's spokeswoman Carrie Braun said. One of the victims was nine years old at the time of the attack. Konther was identified as a suspect by sheriff's detectives using techniques similar to those used in recent years to help solve a number of older crimes. Last year, a 73-year-old former police officer was arrested over the 'Golden State Killer' string of murders and rapes across California in the 1970s and 1980s. In investigating the 1990s rapes, which were committed in Orange County, investigators working with the Federal Bureau of Investigation compared DNA samples collected at two crime scenes to that found on the websites used by consumers to trace their ancestry, Braun said. Detectives use the sites to follow the family trees of matches, seeking blood relatives who roughly fit the profile of the suspected criminal. Both Konther and his twin brother were taken into custody on Thursday before investigators identified Konther as the suspect and released his brother, who has not been publicly identified, Braun said. She declined to name the website used or the family member whose DNA led to the suspect. Konther was being held in lieu of $1 million bail pending an initial court appearance scheduled for Monday, where he will be arraigned on two counts of felony rape, oral copulation on a child under the age of 14, lewd and lascivious acts on a child under 14 and aggravated sexual assault. The sheriff's department asked the public to come forward with any information about the case. It was not immediately clear if Konther had retained an attorney. The nine-year-old victim was walking home from a Lake Forest, California convenience store on the evening of October 21, 1995, when a man pulled her into a wooded area and raped her, according to the sheriff's department. Three years later, a 31-year-old woman jogging on a trail in Mission Viejo, California, was pulled into the bushes by a man who raped her before fleeing. Both victims reported the attacks to police but for more than two decades the DNA collected did not match any suspects in an FBI database, Braun said.

California police use genealogy websites to arrest suspect in 1990s rapes

<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

Union Minister Santosh Gangwar on Saturday said that rampant incidents of rape in the country are unfortunate, but sometimes they cannot be prevented.

The statement came in response to the intense outrage across the country over the gangrape and murder of a minor girl in Kathua and the rape of a 17-year-old girl in Unnao allegedly by a BJP MLA.

"Such incidents (rape cases) are unfortunate, but sometimes cannot be prevented," Gangwar told media.

Asserting that Central Government is actively taking action against such incidents, he said that hue and cry should not be created if one or two such incidents rake up in a big country like India.

The minister's statement comes amid an outrage over Kathua and Unnao rape cases that have taken the country by a storm.

In the wake of these incidents, the Union Cabinet on Saturday approved the amendment in the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act putting a stamp on the death penalty for the rapists of children below 12 years of age.

(With inputs from ANI)

The government on Saturday approved the promulgation of the Criminal Law (Amendment) Ordinance, 2018, which allowed courts to award death penalty to those convicted of raping children below 12 years of age.

Union Minister Santosh Gangwar on Saturday said that rampant incidents of rape in the country are unfortunate, but sometimes they cannot be prevented. The statement came in response to the intense outrage across the country over the gangrape and murder of a minor girl in Kathua and the rape of a 17-year-old girl in Unnao allegedly by a BJP MLA. "Such incidents (rape cases) are unfortunate, but sometimes cannot be prevented," Gangwar told media. Asserting that Central Government is actively taking action against such incidents, he said that hue and cry should not be created if one or two such incidents rake up in a big country like India. The minister's statement comes amid an outrage over Kathua and Unnao rape cases that have taken the country by a storm. In the wake of these incidents, the Union Cabinet on Saturday approved the amendment in the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act putting a stamp on the death penalty for the rapists of children below 12 years of age. (With inputs from ANI)

Do not make an issue out of one or two rapes in a country as big as India: Santosh Gangwar

The U.N. Human Rights Council is expected to hold a special session on killings, rapes and other crimes committed against Rohingya in Myanmar that have driven more than 600,000 into Bangladesh since August, U.N. sources said on Monday.

&quot;There will be a special session on December 5,&quot; a senior United Nations source told Reuters.

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/pope-arrives-in-myanmar-on-high-stakes-visit-25246">Rohingya crisis: Pope arrives in Myanmar</a>

U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra&#39;ad al-Hussein has described the Myanmar army&#39;s crackdown in Rakhine state as a textbook example of ethnic cleansing.

The military has denied the accusations of murder, rape, torture and forced displacement.

'There will be a special session on December 5,' a senior United Nations source told Reuters

The U.N. Human Rights Council is expected to hold a special session on killings, rapes and other crimes committed against Rohingya in Myanmar that have driven more than 600,000 into Bangladesh since August, U.N. sources said on Monday. "There will be a special session on December 5," a senior United Nations source told Reuters. Also read: Rohingya crisis: Pope arrives in Myanmar U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra'ad al-Hussein has described the Myanmar army's crackdown in Rakhine state as a textbook example of ethnic cleansing. The military has denied the accusations of murder, rape, torture and forced displacement.

UN rights forum to hold special session on Rohingya: UN sources

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