Uttar Pradesh government asks Centre for death in rape cases of minor girls

In a major decision aimed at curbing crime against women, the Yogi Adityanath government has decided to send a proposal to the Modi government for effecting amendments into the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and POCSO Act for awarding death sentence to accused involved in the rape of minor girl children.

Startled by the Unnao rape and murder and a sudden rise in rape cases of minor girl children in Uttar Pradesh, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath took the decision after holding a high-level meeting on Wednesday with the Principal Secretary Home, the DGP and other DG and ADG rank officials.

“The State government has decided to send a proposal to the Central government for effecting further amendments into Section 376 of the IPC and POCSO Act to make provisions for awarding capital punishment to those found guilty of raping a minor girl child,” said a government spokesperson.

Uttar Pradesh is the first state across the country advocating capital punishment for accused in rape cases of minors.

The spokesperson said that the state government believes that severe punishment and speedy trial would prove to be a deterrent in curbing heinous crimes against women.