SHAME INDIA! DELHI Gangrape victim dies IN SINGAPORE

New Delhi, Dec 29, 2012 (IANS) --- A young woman who was brutally gang-raped and tortured in the Indian capital died in Singapore early Saturday. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said it was up to "us all to ensure that her death will not have been in vain". The victim, whose name has not been revealed, "passed away peacefully at 4.45 a.m. (2.15 IST)," with her distraught family and Indian diplomats by her side, Singapore's Mount Elizabeth Hospital's Kelvin Loh said. The 23-year-old woman suffered multiple-organ failure after she was raped by six males, including a juvenile, in a moving bus in Delhi for around 40 minutes Dec 16 and dumped her by a roadside. Her male friend was also badly beaten up and thrown out of the bus. All six accused have been arrested and are in Delhi's Tihar Central Jail. Authorities in India shifted the woman, who had been on ventilator support since her rape, to Singapore Thursday in a last ditch attempt to save her life. "Despite all efforts by a team of eight specialists in Mount Elizabeth Hospital to keep her stable, her condition continued to deteriorate over these two days," Loh said. "She had suffered from severe organ failure following serious injuries to her body and brain. "She was courageous in fighting for her life for so long against the odds but the trauma to her body was too severe for her to overcome." B.D. Athani, medical superintendent of Delhi's Safdarjung Hospital, said the woman had been speaking to her mother and other family members earlier, giving the impression that she would somehow survive. But her condition deteriorated rapidly after a third operation, with a fatal infection spreading to her chest, lungs and intestine, he said. Expressing his deepest condolences, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said it was up to "us all to ensure that her death will not have been in vain" and India becomes "a demonstrably better and safer place for women to live in". He said he joined the nation "in conveying to her family and friends" his deepest condolences at this "terrible loss". "I want to tell them and the nation that while she may have lost her battle for life, it is up to us all to ensure that her death will not have been in vain. India's High Commissioner to Singapore, T.C.A. Raghavan, said the woman's family was "shattered". "It was very trying for the family. The girl of course was unconscious," he said. "I must say they (the family) bore the entire process with a great deal of fortitude and courage." He said her body would be flown to India Saturday afternoon. The prime minister said: "We have already seen the emotions and energies this incident has generated. These are perfectly understandable reactions from a young India and an India that genuinely desires change." It would be a true homage to her memory, he added, if these emotions and energies were channelized into a constructive course of action. "The need of the hour is a dispassionate debate and inquiry into the critical changes that are required in societal attitudes. "The government is examining, on priority basis, the penal provisions that exist for such crimes and measures to enhance the safety and security of women." The horrific gang-rape, in which the rapists used an iron rod to torture her, triggered angry demonstrations across india against growing sexual crimes against women. A policeman died in one such protest in Delhi. The Indian government vowed to fast track the trial of the accused.

Manipur's bizarre Action: Rape victim paraded in public view

Rape victim tonsured and paraded in public by mob in Moirang Imphal, Sep 23, 2012 [IMPHAL FRESS PRESS] --- : Leima wore a scarf to cover her tonsured head from the blazing afternoon sun as she came out to gather dried clothes hanging inside the compound of Glory Children Home located at Moirang today. Leima (real name withheld) is about 15 years of age. She was sexually violated by a construction worker at a room inside the Indian National Army (INA) Museum complex located at Moirang bazar on September 17 afternoon. Afterwards, the local Meira Paibis in the name of moral policing further victimized Leima by tonsuring her head and parading her as an immoral woman. The police have registered a case in the regard (98/9/12) MPGPS. According to the investigating officer of Moirang Police Station, a mason identified as one  Bhumeshwor, 38, son of Khoibi Devi, a resident of Khangabok Mayai Leikai coaxed the girl inside the INA complex and committed the act. Leima is unlike a normal teenager and she remains mentally unresponsive at times, according to report culled from police and a counselor of the Glory Children Home. Some women who were at the nearby area had seen her going inside the complex with Bhumeshwor and suspected foul play. They gathered other women and found them in a room. It still remains unclear to the police on how the rapist managed to flee from the scene, but the women caught hold of Leima and had tonsured her. The rapist Bhumeshor is still absconding. Yet the Moirang Police OC claimed that they are on the trail of the rapist. Leima was rescued by officials of the Child Welfare Committee, Bishnupur on the evening of the mentioned date. She was later taken for a medical examination at Moirang Hospital where doctors diagnosed Leima of being mentally unsound and evident of a sexual act having occurred. Superintendent of Glory Children's Home and chairman of Bishnupur CWC, Pishak told this reporter that Leima is being counseled at the home. However, there is a need to shift her to another institution or to the custody of a relative as her father is also mentally deranged and the present Home is only for boys. Leima's mother supports the family by selling betel leaves at Moirang bazaar. "She is a juvenile and cannot be held liable for her actions. She has been victimized twice ", Pishak said. He voiced concern for such abused children. Despite the police investigation, the act of the so-called Meira Paibis in tonsuring a girl child of unsound mind and victim of rape is yet to become a matter of public debate. IFP spoke to some rights activists in this regard. Former member of Manipur Human Rights Commission Yambem Laba said, "The police should immediately take steps to arrest the rapist as well as the so called meira paibis who have tonsured the victim. He added. "It should be borne in mind that no person can have sexual relation with a minor, there is no question of whether she was willing or not. The matter should be reported to the National Commission for Women and the National Human Rights Commission so that they can monitor the case and bring to book the guilty persons." Keisam Pradipkumar, Convener of Manipur Alliance for Child Rights and state representative of NCPCR said, "It reflects the sheer insensibility and immaturity of the so called local Meira Paibis. How could one assure justice, when you fail to distinguish the perpetrator and the victim of a crime? He added that activists and civil society organisations should respect human rights, child rights and right to privacy of the victims. Special protection should be given to the girl children. Secretary of Wide Angle, Montu Ahanthem also in a similar note voiced that if a child in involved in a crime then he or she should be handed over to Child Welfare Committee or the Juvenile Justice Board. Dr L Debabrata Roy of CORE said, "The news is shocking, but not surprising! Shocking, because such kinds of crime have become a phenomenon. It reflects the total dysfunctionality of our society today. It is not surprising because the institutions and legal system have let us down again and again." Member of High Level Committee on the Status of Women in India, Nandini Thockchom said, "Sex with a minor is statutory rape. Period, no ifs and buts about it." Exploring the legal aspect, advocate I Bobby said that both the rapist and the Meira Paibees may be held liable under the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection) Act 2000.  The women can be arrested and held for a time of six month in judicial custody .The Protection of Children from Sexual Offence Act, 2012 also mentions that the rapist be made punishable for a term of 7 years without bail.

MUMBAI SHAME: Nepali girl gang-raped, 2 arrested

Mumbai, Dec 22, 2012 (PTI) --- A 20-year-old Nepali woman was allegedly gang-raped by three persons, including her husband's friend, in Nagpada area of south Mumbai, police said today.

Two accused, who are also Nepali nationals, have been arrested in this connection, police said adding that the victim was sexually assaulted by three men on different occasions since yesterday morning till the wee hours today.

The two, identified as Zulfikar Shaikh (26) and Parvez Shaikh (20), are into the business of making leather bags. A manhunt has been launched for the third accused, said Additional Police Commissioner Pravin Salunkhe.

According to police, the victim's husband works in Madanpura of Nagpada area and she came to Mumbai via Bihar by Pavan Express in the wee hours of Friday.

Earlier, she had been to Mumbai with her husband when they got married at about one-and-a-half year ago.

However, after reaching Mumbai on Friday morning, she did not find her husband at the workplace, following which she approached her husband's friend Zulfikar.

Zulfikar, under the pretext of providing her a shelter, took the victim to his residence and raped her, after threatening her of dire consequences, police said.

Subsequently, she was taken to a lodge and raped by another person.

The victim then approached her relative and asked him to send her to Nepal. The two went to CST railway station but missed the train.

Her relative then asked one of his co-workers Parvez to take her to a guest house so that she could take rest.

Parvez took advantage of the situation and raped her last night, police said.

In the meantime, police received a tip-off that a Nepali woman had been brought to Mumbai to be sold in the flesh trade and raided the lodge and rescued the victim.

The accused have been charged with rape among other relevant IPC sections, police said.

N-E SHOCKING: Woman gang-raped, stripped naked in Tripura; seven arrested

Agartala, Dec 22, 2012 [IANS] --- A housewife was gang-raped stripped naked and battered in public glare in Tripura, police said on Saturday.

"A 37-year-old woman was gang-raped at Bishalgarh in western Tripura on Wednesday night. After the rape, the women was stripped naked, brutally beaten up and then tied to a tree," a police official told reporters here.

Based on the victim's complaint, police immediately swung into action and arrested seven people. However, three more accused, including the main one, are on the run.

Police said the accused dragged the housewife from her home and took turns to rape her before many people, including women. But no one dared to come forward to save the mother of a five-year-old.

The role of the husband is also being probed, the police official said.

Tripura Woman's Commission chairperson Purnima Roy strongly condemned the atrocious incident and asked the police to take stern action against the culprits.

People organised a protest rally at Bishalgarh, 25 km from here, over the incident.

Spurned college student stabs Mumbai girl 8 times

Mumbai, Dec 23, 2012 [DNA] --- After a girl repeatedly rejected his advances, a 21-year-old boy stabbed her eight times on the staircase of Chetna College on Saturday morning with a kitchen-knife and then killed himself. While the boy died a few hours later at the hospital, the girl, who was his classmate, has suffered severed damage of the intestines and is in critical condition.

Nikhil Bankar, a third-year Bachelor of Management Studies student, was a friend of 21-year-old Sonal (name changed). However, their relations had gone sour recently, with the girl and her mother complaining to the college authorities, and even lodging a police complaint that Bankar had been harassing and stalking her.

The incident took place around 8.30am when Sonal entered the college and was climbing the staircase along with her three friends. Bankar came from the front and stopped her. He then removed a kitchen knife from his pocket and stabbed her eight times in different parts of her body. Later, he stabbed himself in the stomach.

"Both were rushed to Guru Nanak hospital in Bandra (east). Bankar died during

treatment in the hospital around 2pm, while the girl remains in critical condition," said senior police inspector of Kherwadi police, A Chavan.

"After questioning their friends, we came to know that they used to be close friends. But recently Bankar had been pursuing her more aggressively. A month ago Sonal had complained to her family that Bankar was harassing her," said a police officer. "Sonal's family then complained to college authorities and also lodged a complaint.

Following this, the police had summoned Bankar, who was accompaniedby his mother to the police station. The police had warned him that he should not follow and harass her again," added the officer. A case of attempted murder has been registered.

Manipur is burning: Indefinite bandh imposed, film artistes baton charged

IMPHAL, Dec 21, 2012 [TSE]: Film actors and artistes today took out a protest demonstration against the molestation of a film actress and firing at two other artistes by NSCN-IM's Lt Col Livinstone at Chandel district headquarters on December 18. The actors were protesting against the NSCN-IM's sheer disrespect of law and women's modesty. They were also demanding befitting punishment to Livingstone under the country's laws. In the meantime, the Film Forum Manipur, Manipur State Shumang Leela Council and many civil society organisations have called an indefinite bandh all over the State with effect from this midnight for the same cause and demand which is punishment of accused Livingstone according to law. As the agitating actors and artistes marched towards the Chief Minister's office, they were blocked by the police, resulting in a tense stand-off. Ultimately, police resorted to baton-charging in their bid to drive back the protesters. In the ensuing scuffle, the victim of the molestation case collapsed. Earlier, in the day, film actors together with members of different civil society organisations staged a protest demonstration at Keishampat junction. The protesting actors chanted slogans like "Punish guilty Livingstone according to law", "NSCN-IM cannot have free run in Manipur", "Government should initiate befitting measures against NSCN-IM etc". On account of the protest demonstration, traffic along the busy road was disrupted for sometime. The actors squatted on the road thereby blocking traffic. They questioned how the police men could remain mute spectator when an actress was molested and kicked around by an outlaw right in front their eyes. They demanded the Government to act against the haughty, unlawful and uncivilized conduct of NSCN-IM in Manipur. After sometime, police resorted to baton-charging the protesters in order to drive them away. Coming back from the Chief Minister's office, the protesters held a meeting at Keishampat. There again, they shouted slogans like, "The Chief Minister should resign if he is unable to keep Chandel district under laws of the State", "Drive out NSCN-IM from the soil of Manipur", "No cease fire with NSCN-IM should be applied in Manipur, de facto or otherwise", "We condemn Government's indifference towards artistes" etc. Later the gathering agreed to continue with all sorts of agitation until and unless Livingstone Anal is punished accordingly and befitting actions are not initiated against NSCN-IM. Meanwhile, the All Tribal Women Organisation, Chandel district has strongly condemned molestation of an actress and firing at two other artistes by NSCN-IM's Livingstone at Maha Union Ground during a musical concert on December 18. It appealed to the Government to ensure that no such ugly incidents ever happen again. The organisation also appealed to the NSCN-IM leadership to ensure that none of its cadres ever commit such heinous and abominable crimes in future.

College girl dies after horror at BF’s hand

17-year-old's boyfriend inserted a screwdriver  into her vagina to bring her delayed periods Mumbai, Dec 22, 2012 [Mumbai Mirror] -- A17-year-old commerce student, whose boyfriend inserted a screwdriver into her vagina to bring on her delayed periods, died of septecimia and acute respiratory distress syndrome at a Chembur hospital on Tuesday. The girl, a resident of Thane, was admitted to the Surana Sethia Hospital last Wednesday when she complained of persistent fever and abdominal pain, but she revealed what her boyfriend had done to her to the doctors only a week later. By then, it was too late. Prince Surana, the hospital's medical director, on Friday said the Chunabhatti police station has been informed about the case and the matter is now with the Naupada police in Thane. According to the doctors, who struggled for a week to diagnose the girl's condition, her boyfriend, who may now be booked for murder, performed his hare-brained procedure on her on December 7 after she missed her periods by a few days and they feared she could be pregnant. When she missed classes three days later because of acute discomfort, her father took her to a local doctor. The doctor put the girl on IV fluids and administered antibiotics. While the girl felt better after the treatment, there was a relapse on December 12 and she was brought to Surana Hospital in Chembur. The doctors initially suspected she was suffering from some gastric problem and prescribed a few tests, including X rays. The X rays revealed accumulated air in the abdomen which indicated gastrointestinal perforation. "When she was brought to the hospital, her condition was very serious. Her hemoglobin was 6 gram (ideal is above 10). She was given three units of blood to improve her hemoglobin levels. On December 14, we performed a laparotomy to close the perforations. However, when her abdomen was opened, we found pus around the uterus and other organs and no intestinal perforation. The source of septic pus was now a mystery," Dr Jiten Chowdhary, laparoscopic surgeon said. Dr Chowdhary said he found the bleeding from uterus surprising since there was no history to which the injury could be ascribed to. The hospital then decided to call a gynecologist to examine her. The gynecologist found that her vagina had extensive injuries that were infected. When her parents were asked about these injuries, they had no clue. On December 17, after the doctors counselled the girl, she revealed what her boyfriend had done to her. "The girl was not pregnant. Her boyfriend's stupidity took her life," said the hospital resident medical officer, who did not wish to be identified. While the girl battled for her life, her boyfriend did not visit her even once. The girl's father said he was not aware her daughter was in a relationship. "I am in shock…my young daughter is no more. The person responsible for her death should be punished," he said. Senior Police Inspector, Chunabhatti, Damodar Chaudhari said the girl died a day after he was informed about the case. "On the night of December 17 we visited the hospital to record her statement. We could not speak to her because she was on a ventilator and the next morning she passed away," he said. The post-mortem was conducted at the Rajawadi hospital and the report confirmed extensive injuries to her private parts. Since the girl was a resident of Thane, the case has been now transferred to the Naupada police station. The cops have not yet questioned the girl's boyfriend. Senior Inspector of Naupada police station J D More said he will consult medical experts and record statements of the doctors who treated the victim. We will get to the bottom of the case."

Manipur Actress alleges NSCN (IM) man of assault

IMPHAL, Dec 19, 2012: Renowned Manipuri film actress Momoko Khangembam was allegedly molested, beaten up by a man identifying himself as an NSCN (IM) cadre during a music concert at Chandel High School Ground, Chandel organized by the Mahamani Women Society, Chandel. The actress along with several other film actors, singers and representatives of the organizers Mahamani Women Society called a press conference this evening at the Film Forum Manipur office. Speaking at the press conference the actress said, the incident happened around 7:30pm of December 18 while she was attending a concert organized by the Mahamani Women Society at Chandel along with other actors and singers of the state. The concert was organized as a fund raiser for the local club, she said. Speaking to media persons, secretary of Mahamani Youth Club, Rose corroborated with Momoco and said that the incident happened at around 7:30 pm last night when the musical concert was in full swing. She identified the man who allegedly assaulted and molested the actress as NSCN (IM) cadre Livingstone, 40 from Zaphou village. She said, the man came to the concert bringing several small arms with him in an inebriated condition. Rose also said that she had herself introduced the man to the actress and the other artists. She continued that Livingstone had also fired two rounds in the air after going out to the ground and started spraying the liquor he was holding. Elaborating further, she said Livinstone had arrived at Chandel just a few days back though he usually stays out of town and added that after firing the rounds in the air at the ground, he came back and assaulted the victim. As of now the matter has not been reported to the police nor did the police came to investigate the incident, she said. The organisers will convene a meeting with the village chiefs of the area in regard to the incident, she said. Meanwhile, Momoko who was visibly weeping said that after introducing the fifth artist of the night to the crowd, she came into the backstage and was sitting with some friends when Livingstone came in and touched her and asked if she is Momoco the Manipuri film actor. She replied in the affirmative and said they were introduced a little time back, Momoco said. However the man continued to harass her at which she went near her mother and complained, she said. Momoco continued that following her mother's complaint, the organizers went out of the room and few second later Livingstone came in and pull her down from the chair she was sitting on to the ground and started kicking her in an inhuman manner without saying a word. No one present came to her rescue, she said. According to another artist Prakash Soraisam, who was also at the concert, Livingstone attempted to take his life by shooting at him, which he missed by only about an inch. He said that the beating happened while he was performing on the stage and as soon as he came to know about the incident, he came in to the backstage and found Momoco lying on the ground. When he asked Livingstone the reason behind his act, Livingstone push him and shot at him which he missed by an inch, he alleged. After the firing, Livingstone was taken away by the locals from the scene. Even as the locals try to calm him he fired another bullet pointing towards Actor Guna, who was on staged at the time, he said. Some police personnel were present when the incident happened but they remained as silent spectators, he complained. Speaking to media persons, Film Forum Manipur president, L Surjakanta said that the forum will urged the state government to arrest accused Livingstone in the earliest and award him with befitting punishment according to the law f the land. The incident has proved that there is no law and order in the state as it happened in front of police personal, the film forum president said. He further demanded punishment for the police personnel, who were present at time when the incident happened. Meanwhile, decrying the alleged incident, several artists from the Manipuri film fraternity took out a rally to submit a memorandum to the state Chief Minister, this late evening. The rally was however cut short by the police in front of the CC Higher Secondary School by the state police. Placards reading "Has GOI given permission to NSCN (IM) to create lawlessness in Manipur", "Two rounds of shots to Artists by NSCN (IM) is an act of cowardice", "We condemned the barbaric act". Later on the police allowed a team comprising of Momoko, singer Prakash and actor Hemanta submit the memorandum to the Chief Minister. The Manipur film fraternity has demanded action against the alleged culprit. Courtesy: The Sangai Express & Epao.net

Delhi gang-rape case: One more accused detained

New Delhi, Dec 21, 2012 (ANI): As the outrage across the country grew over rape of a 23-year-old student, the Delhi police detained the fifth accused in the heinous incident in a late night raid on Thursday. According to Television reports, the police detained the fifth accused, named Raju, in Badaun, Uttar Pradesh. Of the four men arrested earlier, one, named Mukesh, was identified yesterday by the victim's male friend who was accompanying her on the fateful night and too was beaten on his head with an iron rod several times. The young man reportedly took a minute to identify the accused out of 11 men who were brought in front of him at Tihar Jail yesterday. Mukesh is the brother of Ram Singh, the driver of the bus, who is also in custody. Meanwhile, the police will today submit a status report to the Delhi High Court on the probe so far into the case. The girl who was gang-raped and attacked with an iron rod on a moving bus in Delhi is "stable, but doctors warned of infection setting in. "A point of concern remains her platelet count, which has fallen. I am not saying she is out of danger...but her vital parameters are within acceptable range," said Dr BD Athani, the Medical Superintendent of Safdarjung Hospital. "The survivor girl who is battling the horrifying trauma has "remarkable fighting spirit", he added. The girl has lost most of her intestine after doctors performed an elective abdominal surgery on her and removed her gangrenous small intestine. Before her operation on Wednesday, she reportedly scribbled messages that she shared with her mother. "Maa main jeena chahti hoon" (Mother, I want to live), she wrote. Several politicians, including Congress president Sonia Gandhi, Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar, and Sheila Dikshit have been visiting the girl at Safdarjung Hospital where she was admitted after the brutal assault. (ANI)

Nobody safe in Delhi, says anguished court

New Delhi, Dec 19, 2012 (IANS): "Nobody is safe here," the Delhi High Court remarked Wednesday as it took suo moto notice of a woman's gang-rape in a bus and told Delhi Police to file a report by Friday. The Delhi government informed the court that a Special Investigation Team (SIT) had been set up to investigate the crime to be headed by Deputy Commissioner of Police Chhaya Sharma. The court asked the SIT to file a status report within two days. Chief Justice D. Murugesan and Justice Rajiv Sahai Endlaw also directed the government and the police commissioner that investigations "must be of high standard" and concluded "as expeditiously as possible". Justice Murugesan observed: "Nobody is safe here, it's repeatedly seen in Delhi." The bench also directed the Delhi government to provide the best possible medical facilities to the victim and her male friend who were attacked in the bus Sunday night. "Provide best possible treatment to the victim and her friend, shift her to (the) best private hospital if required. And if transfer from hospital is not possible, bring in the best doctor for her," the bench said. Advocate Najmi Waziri, standing counsel of the Delhi government, told the court that the "woman is in critical condition and the best possible treatment would be given to her". "If transfer to another hospital is required, we would bring the best doctor to her. We have promised the girl's family best medical treatment for her," the advocate said. The bench said it would monitor the case, and asked Police Commissioner Neeraj Kumar to revert in two days, detailing the names of police officers deployed at checkposts on the night of the incident. The bus was driven around the city for 40 minutes Sunday night while the rapists committed the crime. Delhi's standing counsel Pawan Sharma said four of the accused had been arrested, adding police had gone to Bihar and Uttar Pradesh in search of two others. Sharma said police were set to file a chargesheet within a month. The court observed: "It is the duty of the police to ensure that such incidents do not happen. What was the police force doing while the offenders roamed (the) city streets for 40 minutes?" The court said it would issue guidelines to be followed in such cases. The bench pulled up the police for not taking precautions earlier. "The police commissioner is directed to comply with the Supreme Court order for removing tinted film from vehicles, including public transport systems," the court said. Waziri told the court that officers faced problems in implementing the Supreme Court order as vehicles from other states had tinted windows. The bench directed police perosnnel at border checkposts to ensure that no such vehicle entered the city. Justice Murugesan said Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit had proposed five fast-tack courts to deal with rape cases. The judge said the proposal was immediately accepted. He added, however, that unless investigation was conducted properly and witnesses produced during trial, even fast-track courts would not serve any purpose.

Delhi gangrape: One arrested, over 4 detained, raids on to nab all accused

New Delhi, Dec 18, 2012 [CNN-IBN]: One person has been arrested in connection with the brutal gangrape of the 23-year-old para-medical student in a private chartered bus on Sunday night, the police confirmed on Tuesday. The arrested 32-year-old is the driver of the bus, Ram Singh. It was his brother Mukesh who was driving the bus at the time of the crime. He, along with four to five others have been detained and raids are on to arrest all the accused, sources added. The girl was gangraped, brutally beaten, stripped and thrown out of the whiteline bus near Mahipalpur flyover along with her male friend, who managed to file a police complaint at around 1.15 am. The incident, according to reports, happened at 9.30 pm. The duo had boarded the bus from Munirka and were on their way to Palam, where the girl stays. According to DCP South Chhaya Sharma, the bus was not in commercial use and it offered to drop the duo to Palam for Rs 10 each. "When they boarded the bus, there were a few other men as well in the vehicle. There was an argument between the male friend and others... As of now, we can confirm the involvement of four men. They beat them up brutally using iron rods," she said. She also said seven people appeared to be inside the bus but only four were involved in the incident. The boy sustained serious injuries to his head and arm. The girl was operated upon on Monday. She is said to be in a critical condition and is currently on ventilator support in the ICU of Safdarjung hospital. Doctors say that she suffered serious intestinal damage and injuries to her face and abdomen. This latest incident has provoked intense criticism of the government from the public. The student unions in Delhi are planning to hold protests against the rising incidents of violence against women and the shoddy investigations done by the police. Reacting to the incident, a member of the Aam Aadmi Party, Shazia Ilmi asked, "Is it the Taliban that women can' step out late?" "The government needs to do more to protect women," she added. Meanwhile, the Delhi government, that came under fire after Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit said that law and order was not in her hands, has indicated that it might set up fast track courts to ensure speedy justice to victims of such crimes. The Delhi Cabinet is expected to take up a proposal in this regard very soon, Dikshit's Parliamentary Secretary Mukesh Sharma said.

Delhi: Gangrape victim hit by blunt object, suffered intestinal damage, is critical

New Delhi, Dec 17, 2012 [CNN-IBN]: The victim of the brutal gangrape in south Delhi's Vasant Vihar area is said to be in a critical condition and fighting for her life in the ICU of the Safdarjung hospital after suffering intestinal damage during the horrific assault. The doctors attending to her said that she was hit by a blunt object and suffered injuries to her abdomen and intestines. "The victim has injury on her face and abdomen. She was hit with some blunt object. She is critical. Her intestine is damaged. Her life is still in danger. She is in shock. The girl is on ventilator support," said one of the hospital officials. The girl, a para-medical student from Dehra Dun, was gangraped, stripped and thrown off a moving bus, along with her male friend, on Sunday night. The girl and her friend had boarded the bus from Munirka on Sunday night and were on their way to Palam, when the incident happened near Mahipalpur. Following the assault, the victim and her friend were stripped and thrown off the bus near the Mahipalpur flyover, however, not before the boy, who works with a software company and is preparing for the civil services, was brutally beaten up. He suffered serious head and arm injuries. According to the police, seven men were present in the bus at the time of crime. The boy then lodged a complaint at the Vasant Vihar police station at 1.15 am. The police have rounded up 24 people in connection with the case and interrogations are on. The 24 men are white line bus drivers and conductors. The police is also scanning CCTV footages from nearby hotels and petrol pumps. National Commission for Women Chairperson Mamata Sharma has demanded a probe. "The point is that the area where this incident took place is densely populated. They brutally hit the boy and then raped the girl. The alertness of the Delhi Police is questionable. I will go tomorrow and meet the victim, and write to Sheila Dikshit. The police knows it all, how to react and take an action." Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit responded saying the law and order in Delhi was not in her hands. However, later on, the CM assured action. "White-line buses are not allowed to ply on the roads. We will take strict action," she said. "I have been informed that state transport department had cancelled the license of white line bus. We will take strongest action possible in the case so that this thing can't happen in future," she added. Rajya Sabha MP Renuka Chaudhary said, "I feel saddened. I read these comments.. Govt has done so much. Why are they socially acceptable? How are they allowed into weddings and other gatherings? I think there should be profile of these people and they should not be allowed to have bank accounts and insurance shouldn't cover them." Women rights' activist Ranjana Kumari said, "There is no law and order in Delhi. It shows that no one is safe in Delhi. General mentality is that girls are safe when they are with any friend, father, brother or any male.. and now this mentality has also been ruled out. Now situation is that she is in coma and she is on life support. There should be better law and security in Delhi."

Para-medical student gang-raped in bus

New Delhi, December 17, 2012 []PIT]: A 23-year-old para-medical student from Uttarakand, who was travelling in a bus with her male friend, was allegedly gang-raped inside the vehicle and then thrown out of it, police said on Monday. The male friend, who is an engineer and currently working in a firm, was also attacked and thrown off the bus near Mahipalpur in south Delhi late last night. The girl was allegedly gang-raped in the bus and her friend brutally assaulted when they were going to Dwarka from Munirka here last night.They were then thrown out of the bus near Mahipalpur flyover, police said. After they raised an alarm, both were taken to AIIMS Trauma Centre from where the girl was shifted to Safdarjung Hospital.Her condition is stated to be critical. A case has been registered at the Vasant Vihar Police Station. The girl, who studies in a college in Dehra Dun, is in the capital for her internship. Reacting to the incident, NCW chairperson Mamata Sharma said, "Such incidents are increasing in Delhi. Police and government should be really alert....We will get an inquiry done and will also enquire with police as to what action has been taken so far."

One North East girl knocked down by a car in Delhi

A car knocked her down, leaving her unconscious and fled away from the spot New Delhi, Dec 07, 2012: A 21-year-old girl from Manipur was knocked down by a car near Kishangarh bus stand in Aruna Ali Marg on November 27 at around 11am. According to sources reaching to North East Support Centre & Helpline, Rosy (name changed), was allegedly hit by a car leaving her laying unconscious and the car driver sped away from the spot. The incident took place near Kishangarh bus stand in south Delhi. "While I was on my way to catch a bus an unknown car suddenly hit me on my right leg and fled away leaving me unconscious. My cousin brother was with me at that time, but unfortunately he missed to note down the vehicle's number while attending me as I was lying unconscious. Those nearby us called an ambulance and I was rushed to AIMS Trauma Centre, where I regained my consciousness. I was discharged the same day around 9pm," said Rosy. The Fact Finding Team of NESC Helpline led by its founding member Dr Alana Golmei visited the victim at her residence. The victim's right leg is fractured, five stitches on her left temple and her eyes covered with red blood balls. She could barely move on her own. She is still in pain and it will take many more months to recover.  "I was supposed to give my BA final exams on November 29 and December 4 but I could not do so," Rosy, a student of Kamala Nehru College, told NE Helpline Team while visiting at her rented room in Kishangarh. The victim's sister informed that she along with her brother went to Vasant Kunj Police Station to file an FIR on November 27, but one policeman named Rajbeer, an ASI of Vasant Kunj P/S, who is also incharge of the case, refused them from filling further complaint. "On the advised of Mr. Rajbeer, I have signed a statement saying 'No further assistance is required' as we cannot provide the vehicle's number," the victim's sister told NESC Helpline. "Even after going to the Police Station for three times we could not file a complaint as Mr. Rajbeer blamed us that it was my sister's fault. On the second day, Rajbeer told us to produce Identity (ID) proof of college, rented house as well as the witness. After we got all the documents he said that he is not at the station and told us to come the next day. He also repeatedly rejected my calls when I tried to speak to him," the victim's sister told NESC Helpline. Soon after this information was received yesterday (December 6), North East Support Centre & Helpline intervened and lodged the FIR in Vasant Kunj Police Station.  The case is now registered under section 279 and 337 of IPC, with the support of Mr Malik, Station House Officer and O.P Thakur, Inspector Investigation. Dr. Alana Golmei, Founding member of NE Helpline, while appreciating the prompt action of Mr. O.P Thakur, she also strongly call on the concerned authority to take stern action against Mr. Rajbeer, ASI, who refused to accept the victim's complaint thereby causing more distress to the victim and her sister. Is this the attitude of Delhi Police towards the Northeast victims? This policeman, Rajbeer, who is the case Investigation Officer (IO), must be suspended from his post immediately since he is not performing his duty sincerely and instead harassing the victim and her sister, and her brother. The police hadn't yet arrested the accused in this case. Earlier in a similar incident, a 26-year-old Manipuri girl was mowed down by a car bearing registration no. DL-3CA-0388 on June 7, 2012. An FIR was lodged in Vasant Kunj Police Station. However till today the police remain clueless about the car and the absconding driver. No one arrested so far. The North East Support Centre & Helpline strongly request the higher authority to take stringent action against the policeman who has neglected and suppressed the victim in times of need. We also fervently request the Delhi Police to nab the culprits, who have seriously injured the two North East girls in separate incidents. By Bruce K. Thangkhal, Media Incharge | NE helpline

The policeman called me a nuisance, says Manipuri girl abused by crowd

Bangalore [CNN-IBN] Dec 07, 2012: In another case of Northeast Indians being targeted, a theatre person from Manipur alleged that she was heckled by a crowd in Bangalore, that passed lewd and racist comments and abused her. What is even more shocking is that the policeman who she turned to for help allegedly ended up shouting back and shoving her and called her a nuisance. Talking about the incident, the girl said, "I was getting really frightened by the crowd that was inching closer to me, so I wanted to sit inside the car till my friends arrive. The policeman refused to help me. I was opening the car door and he just banged the car door. He said I was a public nuisance, the police people are coming and will take me to the police station." She also said that there were almost 30 to 40 men who were harassing her. "The men, 30 to 40 men started doing the same thing. I didn't have a pen and a paper with me, I took a picture of the bike licence plate, so while I was taking the picture, these guys said, we will start taking off our clothes, will you take our pictures? I asked if they were daring me to do that? I said I will take your pictures. I started taking their pictures. They started escalating their sexual gestures and harassment," she said. She said the policeman helped her only after 10 minutes of pleading and he was laughing and watching the incident all through. "After 10 minutes of pleading, the policeman relented and made me sit inside the car. This young boy, must have been 14 or 15 came close to my car window and said he will take off his clothes in Kannada. I understand some Kannada even though I can't speak it. He started unbuttoning his shirt. The policeman was just watching and laughing, threatening me and telling me I'm a public nuisance and I'll get arrested," the victim said. She also said that the women of Northeast India faced more such situations. "For a woman who has the face of someone from the Northeast, we have this long list of historical stereotyping. All these elements have combined together and escalated into this manic crowd which engages in harassing and intimidating a woman who is different. When you are a woman and when you're from the Northeast, the discrimination level escalates to a very very different level," she said. The girl has now filed two FIRs, one against a motorcycle-rider who hit her car and another of physical assault, sexual intimidation and harassment against people from the crowd, including the traffic constable. The incident reportedly took place when a motorcycle hit her car.

Bangalore: Manipur girl racially abused, heckled by crowd; gets no help from policeman

Bangalore [CNN-IBN], Dec 07, 2012: In another case of Northeast Indians being targeted, a theatre person from Manipur alleged that she was heckled by a crowd in Bangalore, that passed lewd and racist comments and abused her. What is even more shocking is that the policeman who she turned to for help allegedly ended up shouting back and shoving her. She has now filed two FIRs, one against a motorcycle-rider who hit her car and another of physical assault, sexual intimidation and harassment against people from the crowd, including the traffic constable. The incident reportedly took place when a motorcycle hit her car. The incident comes amidst several incidents of sexual harassment and molestation being reported from different parts of the country. In Amritsar, a policemen was shot dead on Wednesday after allegedly trying to save his daughter from molesters. In another case on Monday, a 19-year-old boy was stabbed to death by five people in Mumbai - four of the boys are minors, when he protested against the boys harassing a female friend.