DCW show cause notice to police in minor's rape case

The Delhi Commission for Women has issued a notice to the Pul Prahladpur police station seeking to know why it did not inform the DCW about the rape of a 13-year-old girl who was found dumped near a railway track in south-east Delhi today.

“It is shocking that despite the Delhi High Court ruling which mandates informing the Crisis Intervention Cell (CIC) counsellor duly approved by the Commission, as soon as the complaint of sexual assault is received at the police station, but in this case the counsellor was not informed by the police.

“The issue is that until the police informs the Commission about the rape, it cannot provide legal help and counselling to the victim along with any other special requirements as seen in this particular case,” DCW chairperson Swati Maliwal said.

She said the Commission has taken sou moto cognisance of the case and will ensure proper care of the minor until she recuperates. The Commission will also make necessary arrangements to meet the child’s need.

Maliwal, who met the girl at AIIMS today, said, “She has been brutally raped. She is mentally challenged. She is looked after by relatives who are extremely poor and illiterate.”

“She has undergone a major surgery and has severe injuries. The doctor said that it will take her at least four months to recover and she will require extreme care during this period.

“The Commission was informed that not only will the girl need a proper protein rich diet during this period, she will also need a daily change of her stoma bag and proper hygiene to be able to recover,” Maliwal said.

Noting that child rapes are becoming “epidemic” in Delhi, Maliwal reiterated the need for setting up a High Level Committee comprising of Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, the Police Commissioner and the Delhi Commission for Women.

The committee, she suggested, should meet twice every month to take co-ordinated decisions with regard to women and girl safety in Delhi.

The Commission is of the firm opinion that Delhi shall not become secure for women and children until this basic requirement is met with, Maliwal added.