Unnao becomes UP's 'rape capital'; 86 cases reported this year
What's the story
A day after the Unnao rape victim died, a report states that the district now qualifies as the "rape capital" of Uttar Pradesh. According to it, this year alone, 86 cases of rape had been reported from the district. The development comes as state government is under fire, mainly from the opposition, for not doing enough to keep women safe. Here's more.
Details
86 rape, 185 sexual harassment cases till November this year
According to IANS, 86 cases of rape, and 185 cases of sexual harassment were reported between January and November 2019, in Unnao district, which has a population of 31 lakh. This reportedly includes the high-profile case against expelled Bharatiya Janata Party MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar; the aforementioned rape case, where the victim died on Friday night; and a Purwa incident registered on November 1.
Quote
Crime is egged on by politics here: Local lawyer
Speaking to IANS, an Ajgain resident blamed the police, saying, "They do not move an inch unless they have the permission of their political bosses." "Crime is egged on by politics here. Politicians are using crime to settle political scores and the police remain their stooges," a local lawyer said, adding, "There has not been one incident in which the police have acted tough."
Recent incident
Recently, rape victim from Unnao was set ablaze
To jog your memory, on Thursday, a 23-year-old rape victim from Unnao was set ablaze while she was on her way to a court hearing. She suffered 90% burns and was shifted to Safdarjung hospital for treatment, however, she couldn't be saved. She had filed a rape case against two men in March. She and her family were repeatedly threatened to withdraw the case.
Criticism
UP becoming India's rape capital: Congress
Condemning the ruling BJP government in UP, Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra said she "has heard" that the culprits in the Thursday incident had some BJP connection. "That's why they were being shielded," alleged Gandhi, who visited the victim's family on Saturday. Meanwhile, Congress spokesperson Supriya Shrinate said UP is "becoming the rape capital of the country," demanding strict action against the accused.
UP govt
Case will be heard in fast-track court, says CM Adityanath
Speaking on the rape victim's demise, UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Saturday said he is "extremely saddened to hear of the woman's death." He said the five accused—who have been arrested—will face the "strictest punishment" and the case will be heard in a fast-track court. Deputy CM Keshav Prasad Maurya also offered condolences to the family, saying the accused will not be spared.