‘Prompt action taken in minor rape cases’

The State Government has given utmost priority in taking action against crimes relating women and police are taking prompt actions in allegations of rapes.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Bikram Keshari Arukh stated this in a statement in the State Assembly as per the direction given by the Speaker Pradeep Kumar Amat on Monday.

“Three incidences of sexual assault on minor girls happened on April 21, 2018. The police arrested all the accused involved in these crimes within 12 hours. Similarly, all accused involved in two such cases each in Kendrapada and Baleswra have been arrested. The culprit in the Kalahandi’s Thuamul-Rampur rape occurred on April 19 has also been arrestred,” the Minister informed.

All rape cases involving girls till the age of 14 have been taken as ‘Red Flag’ cases under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO) Act, 2012 and special Government lawyers have been provided to fight cases on behalf of the victims, the Minister said.

As many as 192 Assistant Government Advocates have been appointed to expedite prosecution of such cases.

Due to successful supervision, conviction rate in rape cases has increased to 16.90% in the State, said the Minister.

It may be noted that Opposition parties had stalled the House on Monday demanding a statement from the Government on the increasing incidences of sexual assault on minor girls and women insecurity.