Delhi rape case verdict spurs activists in Manipal

The swift justice meted out by the Delhi court, sentencing four of the offenders in the December 16 gang-rape of a paramedical student, has galvanised activists in Manipal, who have been campaigning for expeditious investigation and trial of the men who gang-raped a medical student three months ago.

Activists, students and friends of the rape victim are expressing hope that the Delhi verdict would inspire law enforcement authorities and courts elsewhere to demonstrate similar speed in delivering justice.

On June 20, three auto drivers in the campus township, 65 km from Mangalore, abducted a fourth year medical student in an autorickshaw and gang-raped her in a thicket outside the town, sending shock waves in Manipal. The police apprehended the three main accused and two abettors within a week, but investigations took some time to begin, following the victim dilly dallying on issuing a statement.

However, with the mediation of the police and the university officials, the victim finally recorded a statement, which has expedited the investigation.

“We concluded our investigations and filed the charge sheet last month against the five accused - three of the main accused and two of their relatives who allegedly abetted the crime and tried to destroy evidence,” superintendent of police Boralingaiah told dna.

The verdict of the Saket fast track court has shaken the families of the Manipal rape accused. Family members of Anand, the prime accused in the rape, are despondent, fearing the worst. People in Parkala, the small town Anand comes from, are discussing the implications of the death sentence to the Delhi rapists.

“One thing was sure that the tough verdict in the Delhi rape case has sent shivers among the men who were contemplating rape or mentally prepared for raping if they could,” said Govinda Nayak, a village elder.

Feminist activist Vidya Dinakar is vehemently against death sentence to rape convicts, for the simple reason that one wrong cannot be corrected by committing another.

“As a human rights activist, I feel rape accused should be sentenced to life imprisonment and not make them pay through their lives. They should live for a long time as a testimony to the crime they committed,” she said.