Concern in Rajya Sabha over rape of young executive in Delhi

Members in Rajya Sabha today transcended political barriers to voice concern over rape of a young executive in a cab in the national capital, with the House standing as one in condemning the heinous crime and demanding action against the guilty.

Raising the issue during Zero Hour, Rajani Patel (Cong) said the previous UPA government's initiative to start a website to name-and-shame rape convicts has been given a quite burial. Noting that names of sexual offenders in countries like the US and South Africa are put on website, she demanded revival of the UPA government initiative.

She said that before coming to power BJP had made tall promises but women are more insecure under its rule and demanded quick action to punish the guilty and those who gave the accused driver fake certificates.

Viplove Thakur (Cong) said this is not the first incident since BJP came to power, while her party colleague Vijaylaxmi Sadho said the actions of the government have not matched its talks and it should be ashamed.

Several opposition members associated themselves with the issue.

Vijay Goel (BJP) said the cab did not have GPS and the character certificate of the driver was false, responsibility for which should be fixed and culprits punished.

He commended Delhi Police for catching the culprit within three days and said there was a need to reduce working hours of policemen from 16 hours a day at present.

Deputy Chairman P J Kurien said the whole House condemns this heinous crime and hoped the government will take steps to punish the culprit and take steps to ensure such crimes do not recur.