Now, faster convictions for rape of minors, say Gurugram policemen

Gurugram: The Haryana government has taken a big step towards curbing heinous crimes against women.

In a major decision, the state government has decided that rapists involved in the assault of minors of 12 years of age or less will be punished with life imprisonment or even death penalty.

The state government has also introduced stricter provisions for molestation and the convict may have to serve up to two years in prison, which was one year initially.

The state recently rocked with a spate of gang rapes that occurred in various districts including Gurugram that led the pack.

For a city where there were over 100 cases of sexual assault against minors, law enforcement officials highlight the challenges in securing conviction of the criminals.

Citing the difficulties, officials mentioned that there is a need to set up fast track courts so that the conviction can be secured at a quicker pace.

Another difficulty raised by the officials in dealing with such crimes is gathering concrete evidences and making the victim and their family mentally and physically fit to testify in the court proceedings that can extend up to minimum one to two years.

"It is unfortunate but people from all strata of society are today indulging in this form of crime. One main reason why people are choosing to sexually assault minors because they know it is easier for them to intimidate their victims and get away with the crime," said a senior police officials from Gurugram police.

According to the national crime record bureau at 115 cases, Gurugram is only second to Faridabad in crimes against minors.

In 2016, there were 106 cases of sexual crimes. It is not only sexual assaults but the minors are also vulnerable to abductions and subsequent human trafficking.

"We have identified certain sensitive areas in the city and deployed our officials over there in plain clothes to maintain surveillance. We are also in the process of streamlining the video coverage captured in CCTV cameras. Besides this our round of patrolling in desolate spots has also increased," said a senior official from Gurugram police.