Massive outrage over Kathua, Unnao rape incidents

Eight-year-old Asifa was grazing the cattle owned by her nomadic Muslim herder family when she was kidnapped. A week later, her raped and mutilated body was found in the woods of Kathua in Jammu and Kashmir. Since the incident came to light less than two days ago, the country has been reeling from shock and outrage. Anger is also building over inaction against the accused in the Unnao rape case, with the Allahabad high court reprimanding the state government for 'collapse of law and order'. People from all walks of life — politicians, sportspersons and actors — have spoken out on the horrific crimes and demanded strict action against the culprits. Here's a look at the latest developments:

Congress president Rahul Gandhi

How can anyone protect the culprits of such evil? What happened to Asifa at Kathua is a crime against humanity. It cannot go unpunished. What have we become if we allow politics to interfere with such unimaginable brutality perpetrated on an innocent child?



Union minister VK Singh

We have failed Ashifa as humans. But she will not be denied justice.




Jammu and Kashmir CM Mehbooba Mufti

The Law will not be obstructed by the irresponsible actions and statements of a group of people. Proper procedures are being followed, investigations are on the fast track and justice will be delivered.



B S Salathia, president of Bar Association of Jammu

Kashmir-centric mindset tried to give our agitation for CBI probe a communal colour. They were trying to divide Jammu on communal lines. It is their conspiracy. It was portrayed as if we are against justice for the girl. We demand CBI probe for justice to the minor, and those involved should be punished.


Senior Congress leader Kapil Sibal

No time for 'upavas' dear PM. Speak up: the very soul of womanhood violated at Kathua and Unnao. Was 'Beti Bachao' yet another slogan?



BJP leader Meenakshi Lekhi

It's correct decision to refer the matter to CBI. If there're issues which are not meeting the eye then severe punishment should be given to those who did such an abhorrent act, there should be no false prosecution and accused shouldn't escape.




Human Rights Watch

Too many BJP supporters seem willing to abandon their tough stand on sexual violence on the basis of religious prejudice. The police allege Asifa's rape and murder was part of an effort to drive the Muslim community away from the area. Yet, for the local lawyers and other BJP supporters, the Hindu suspects and the Muslim victim were grounds for blocking prosecution of the case.


Youth Congress

Rape accused MPs, MLAs and other lawmakers are a part of this government. Women’s security in our country has become a joke. Shame on the people who tried to stop the victim’s family from getting the justice they deserve. This is unpardonable! We demand Justice For Asifa.


Allahabad high court on Unnao rape case

According to it (SIT report), medical officers and police officers, all were hand in glove with the accused to save them and you (state government) acted on this report against those officers but for arresting rape accused you need to do further investigation. If this is the stand you are repeatedly taking, then we will be forced to observe in our order that 'law and order has collapsed in the state'.


UP minister Mahesh Sharma

When we say Beti Bachao, we really mean that. We are here to safeguard the interests of our daughters and we are committed to their safety. As far as Unnao incident is concerned, the law of justice will prevail.


Swati Maliwal, Head of Delhi Commission for Women

From tomorrow, I'll sit on an indefinite hunger strike. The systemic rape of children and the Centre's silence on the matter cannot be tolerated. I shall not touch food till our demands are met. Strict action against rapists within six months, support for the victims of the Unnao and Kathua rape incidents.



Tennis player Sania Mirza

Is this really the kind of country we want to be known as to the world today? If we can’t stand up now for this 8 year old girl regardless of our gender, caste, colour or religion then we don’t stand for anything in this world. Not even humanity... Justice needs to be done for the sake of keeping our faith in the judiciary and the system alive. I really hope and pray justice is done, and soon.


Wrestler Geeta Phogat

We demand that strong punishment should be awarded to all the accused and justice delivered to the victim family. Would really request the government to please have strict rules for such a crime.



Actor-director Farhan Akhtar

Imagine what goes through the mind of an 8 yr old as she is drugged, held captive, gang raped over days and then murdered. If you don’t feel her terror, you are not human. If you don’t demand Asifa get justice, you belong to nothing.


Actor Nimrat Kaur

Equal rights/ gender bias/ pay disparity all seem like such distant, first world concerns. Let's begin with addressing the unmentionable horrors of the absence of humanity. The only way forward, if at all, from this blood curdling barbarism is justice. Heartbroken and aghast. #Asifa.




Lyricist Javed Akhtar

All those who wish justice for women should stand up and raise their voices against the rapists and their protectors in Unnao and Kathua.