Sonia meets rape victim's kin in Haryana, promises action - India News and Travel Times Provides India-centric and other News and Features

Congress President Sonia Gandhi, who met here today the family of a Dalit girl who committed suicide after she was gang-raped, said strong action must be taken against those responsible for the heinous crime. Gandhi, who met the rape victim's family for around 20 minutes in Sacha Khera here, drew attention to the fact that incidents of rape are not confined only to Haryana.

"I strongly condemn this heinous crime. Strongest action must be taken against those responsible for the crime. The incidents of rape are happening not only in Haryana. I know that incidents of rape are on the rise. Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda accompanied the Congress President while she met the family of a Dalit girl who committed suicide after she was gang-raped in Haryana's Jind district over the weekend. Gandhi's visit to Jind is being seen as a damage control exercise, as the Congress Government in Haryana, which is led by Bhupinder Singh Hooda is under sharp criticism for the rise in crimes against women in the state.

There also has been criticism of the Haryana Government's handling of law and order and ability to secure women's safety in the state. The Haryana government had on Thursday formed a three-member committee at district level to investigate, monitor and ensure speedy prosecution of such crimes. According to reports, as many as 12 cases of rape and gang rape have occured in the State since September.