Issue of minor dalit girl's rape raised in Uttarakhand assembly

The issue of rape of a minor dalit girl in Haridwar district was raised in Uttarakhand Assembly today by BSP members, who demanded a detailed discussion over the plight of dalits in the hill state.

Raising the issue through adjournment motion during the zero hour, Leader of BSP legislature party Mohammed Shehzad said a 14-year-old dalit girl was raped at Libberheri in Mangalore area of Haridwar district on March 22.

He said an 11-year-old dalit girl was also raped in the area last year and similar incidents of rape and other crimes against dalits were being reported from various parts of the state and the situation had reached an "alarming stage".

Alleging that the government had failed to check such incidents, he said there was urgent need to hold a detailed discussion over the problem and find a solution to it.

Shehzad was supported by his party MLAs as well as some members from Congress who also urged Speaker Harbans Kapoor to allow a discussion over the issue.

Parliamentary affairs minister Prakash Pant said the government was ready to give its reply over the issue and the information regarding this specific case was being collected.

As the BSP members were pressing for their demand, Kapoor adjourned the House for lunch.