Satyender Jain directs forensics labs to complete examination within a month

NEW DELHI: In an effort to ensure the timely completion of investigation and prosecution in cases of crime against women, girl child and POCSO offences, the Delhi government on Monday directed the Home Department that such cases be attended on priority basis.

Delhi Home Minister Satyender Jain, in a written direction to Principal Secretary (Home) Manoj Parida, said, "Keeping in view the ever increasing incidents of crime against women, girl child, Pocso offences, all such cases referred for forensic examination need to be attended urgently for earliest completion of prosecution."

"Accordingly, please ensure that such cases are given top priority and forensic examination is completed within a month," the direction noted.

Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday said his government would amend the law to secure death penalty for the rapists of minor girls.

As per the NCRB report, Delhi has reported the maximum number of rape cases among 19 major cities at 40 %, besides the highest crime rate in 2016. Similarly, the national capital has got the dubious distinction of topping the list in cases of murder, kidnapping and abduction, juveniles committing crimes and economic offences. Incidents of rape in Delhi have steadily increased since the incident, rising from 706 in 2012 to 2,199 in 2016.

Delhi reported 33% (13,803 cases out of total 41,761 cases in 19 cities) of total crimes against women, followed by Mumbai at 12.3% (5,128 cases) last year among the 19 cities with population above two million. The capital reported nearly 40% of rape cases and nearly 29% of each of cruelty by husband and his relatives and dowry deaths, the NCRB data said.