Rajya Sabha members demand strict punishment for rapist of four-year-old girl

Brutal rape of a four-year old girl in the national capital on Tuesday figured in the Rajya Sabha with members demanding stringent punishment for the accused. 

When the House met for the day, Kanimozhi (DMK) and Jaya Bhaduri Bachchan (SP) raised the issue saying the victim was hospitalised with grievous injuries. "This is not the only incident (of rape of a girl child) happening in the country... we are not very sensitive to such acts," Kanimozhi said. 

Asking the government to take strict action, she said "We need stricter laws" to deal with such cases. Bachchan said she has been seeking a discussion on such incidents for last couple of sessions but her notices have not been admitted. "We discuss all kinds of atrocities but not those concerning women," she said.

Expressing shock at the incident, Deputy Chairman P J Kurien agreed that "very very stringent action should be taken." "Ensure that very stringent (and) strict action is taken," he said and asked the government to inform of its action in the case. 

Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said the government condemns the incident in strongest possible terms and will act under stringent laws against the guilty. When Bachchan pressed for a discussion, Kurien advised her to give a fresh notice and said the Chairman will consider it.