more-in Andhra Pradesh Women Commission Chairperson Nannapaneni Rajakumari on Monday welcomed the Centre’s decision to award capital punishment for those who rape girls below 12 years. However, she opined that the punishment for rapists should be uniform irrespective of the age of the victims. Expressing concern over the increasing sexual abuse cases against women, particularly children, Ms. Rajakumari said the government should take steps to speed up the trial in rape cases and stringent punishment should be awarded to the guilty, she said at a press conference here on Monday. Mandal-level police stations “I request the political leaders not to support the rapists and bring pressure on the investigation officers, and the police too should not bow to pressures in these cases,” she urged. The State and Central governments should take steps to set up mahila police stations at the mandal level and establish more Forensic Science Laboratories (FSLs) for speedy investigation of rape cases, Ms Rajakumari said. “Due to negligence and delay in investigation, evidences were missing in some cases. Police should respond immediately in sexual abuse cases, collect scientific evidences and ensure that the perpetrators are punished,” the Mahila Commission Chairperson said. Police should take measures to install CCTVs in villages and step up vigil on criminals to prevent violence against women, she said.

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