The parents of the Dec 16, 2012 Delhi gang rape victim Monday welcomed the statement of Women and Child Development Minister Maneka Gandhi that juveniles, accused of serious crimes like rape, be treated on par with adults. The victim’s father said he appreciated her stand. ‘I appreciate and welcome the decision of Maneka Gandhi. I think that juveniles should be treated like adults if they indulge in any heinous crime like rape or murder,’ the father told IANS. He said that one or two juveniles are involved in most gang rape cases and their lawyers take advantage of their involvement in making the case weak.
‘No criminal should be given special treatment only on the ground of being a juvenile. Everybody who is guilty of rape, gang rape or murder should be given equal punishment. There should be no difference between juvenile and adult criminals,’ he said.