Police should be given the power to encounter rape accused: BJP MLA
Mehta, who felicitated a group of garba dancers, who were dressed to convey the message of “No rape” in his constituency of Dabhoi late on Thursday night, said that the “common sentiment” was that of meting out harsh punishment to the rape accused.
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Rajesh Jatav, 30, a notorious gang leader, was killed in an exchange of fire with the Bulandshahr police under the Aahar police station jurisdiction. (Express Archives/representational photo) In the wake of recent cases of crime against women, including two cases of gangrape in Vadodara and Surat over the last week, BJP MLA Shailesh Mehta on Friday said that the police should be “given powers to encounter rape accused” in order to “bring a deterrent” and fear of law.
Mehta, who felicitated a group of garba dancers, who were dressed to convey the message of “No rape” in his constituency of Dabhoi late on Thursday night, said that the “common sentiment” was that of meting out harsh punishment to the rape accused.
Mehta, who had earlier demanded capital punishment for the accused of the Vadodara gangrape of the minor victim, said that being a representative of the constituency, he was “answerable” to people.
Fielding questions about the October 4 gangrape, Mehta said, “The criminals do not fear the police… Several migrants have been caught in the cases of gangrape of women. The police should be given a free hand to encounter such criminals, who are hardened and commit such offences… It will serve as a deterrent to the others. There should be no dispute about this and people should stand with the police in such cases. The way the crime is being committed, it shows that there is no fear of law… We cannot tolerate this (rape cases).”
Mehta, who had earlier demanded capital punishment for the accused of the Vadodara gangrape of the minor victim, said that being a representative of the constituency, he was “answerable” to people. Notably, the spot where the alleged gangrape took place falls in Dabhoi constituency.
Speaking to The Indian Express, Mehta said, “If there was any fear in the minds of criminals, would we have seen so many cases in Gujarat? Of these, Vadodara has witnessed a few cases. If the police’s hands are tied down, how can there be fear? As representatives of the people, we have to listen to what the general public says. The people are extremely angered by these crimes… I am speaking after gauging the sentiments of the people, which is that the accused in rape cases should be awarded the most exemplary punishment.”
Mehta said that although the state government has fast-tracked cases such as the Dahod six-year-old’s murder and nabbed the accused in the Vadodara gangrape within hours, “justice” should be delivered in “every way”. Mehta said, “The morale of the police should be strengthened; they should be given a free hand to take action. This action should not be challenged. If there is an accused with a criminal mindset, who is a habitual offender and a threat to the society, why should he not be (eliminated)? Fast-tracking cases will make a difference that the process is complete and justice is delivered fast but there has to be a deterrent. Wherever justice can be granted, it should be granted in every possible way.”
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