FULL TEXT: Rahul Gandhi condemns Amethi gang-rape

Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi, the MP from Amethi Lok Sabha constituency, has condemned the gang-rape of a woman in Uttar-Pradesh's Amethi district.

Here is the full text of his statement released by the All India Congress Committee (AICC):

"I am extremely saddened to learn of an alleged rape incident in Amethi. The matter is under investigation. We are closely monitoring the situation and following up with the district administration to ensure that all the facts come to light and justice is meted out quickly.  

"It is deeply disturbing that every day we hear of gruesome  incidents where women are the target of extreme violence. Whether it is the brutal rape and murder of two young girls in Badaun or the recent rape of a minor girl in Jhalawar in Rajasthan, the alleged rape yesterday in Amethi, or other incidents reported from different parts of the country. This is unacceptable. 

"We must take all necessary steps to improve law and order to  ensure safety and security for women. But changing mindsets is a major challenge and one that we must address urgently. There can be no development, no prosperity and no progress if such barbarism is allowed to continue."

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