Thana Gherao against Rape in Lalkuan
AIPWA organized a rally and gherao of Lalkuan Thana in Uttarakhand against the failure to arrest the person accused of raping a woman in Bindukhatta on 27 November. Even after two weeks of the incident the accused was not arrested by the police. AIPWA’s protest ultimately forced the police to arrest the culprit.
AIPWA local convener Vimla Rauthan said that the Bindukhatta police and administration are irresponsible and insensitive to the victim and her family. The incident occurred on 27 November and an FIR was registered on 30 November but the accused has not been arrested. When AIPWA informed the police that the Thana would be gheraoed, they phoned back to say the accused had surrendered. But there has been no official announcement and neither has the victim’s family been given any information. Such negligence and insensitivity is a matter of concern especially at a time when the entire country is demanding justice for victims of rape and sexual harassment.
CPIML District Secretary Kailash Pandey pointed out that the conviction rate in sexual harassment cases is only 24% while 76% get off scot free due to political and money power. In this case also, pressure is being put on the victim and her family by some ruling class politicians protecting the accused person. The police have not come even once to meet the victim or enquire about her condition, whereas at present she needs counseling and medical facilities for which the administration is responsible. The accused person has given death threats and threats to ruin reputation, but despite this the police and administration have provided no security. The victim’s family said that if the administration continues with this irresponsible attitude, we will be forced to agitate in a big way.
Hundreds of villagers and activists gathered at the Lalkuan Thana for the dharna on December 8. The dharna delegation demanded written proof of the surrender by the accused, and also other demands: cognizance should be taken of the blackmailing done by the accused, and a case of blackmailing should also be registered against him in addition to rape; proper arrangements for medical care for the victim; probe the role of the hotel in Lalkuan where the incident took place; aid to the victim from the Nirbhaya fund. The leaders also criticized the uncooperative attitude of the Investigation Officer. The protesters warned that if these demands are not met they will organize a bigger and stronger agitation. Basanti Bisht, Anand Singh Negi, Manju, Kusum Pant, Renu and a large number of women were present at the dharna.
