Candlelight protest to demand swift justice

NOIDA: Residents of Noida staged a candlelight protest on Saturday evening to protest against the Bulandshahr gang rape case and demand swift and strict punishment

NOIDA: Residents of Noida staged a candlelight protest on Saturday evening to protest against the Bulandshahr gang rape case and demand swift and strict punishment for the culprits.

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Dozens of residents gathered near Noida stadium in Sector 22 with placards and banners to show their solidarity with the victims. The residents expressed anger over the rising number of rapes and crimes.

“Criminals have got a free hand in this state. They no longer fear the police. There is utter lawlessness. We have assembled here to send a message to the government and to tell the victims that they are not alone,” said Ashok Srivastava, a resident.

Army veteran Virender Nath Thapar said the rising number of rape cases depicted the rotting mentality of the society in general.

“We have collectively failed to protect women in our country; teachers, parents, leaders, police everybody shares the guilt of developing and promoting a culture that promotes sexual violence against women,” said Thapar.

Some women protesters expressed disbelief over the horrific details that had appeared after an initial probe of the Bulandshahr rape and demanded security.

“We have stopped stepping outside our houses after 8pm. Incidents of violence against women have seen such a rise in the past few years,” said Mamta Tiwary, a resident.

“It’s a shame that the government is unable to protect the mothers and daughters of this state. They have no right to rule over us,” added Azra Sultana, a social activist.

Rs 10 LAKH EACH FOR VICTIMS

LUCKNOW: UP chief minister Akhilesh Yadav on Saturday announced an assistance of Rs 10 lakh each for the victims of Bulandshahr gang rape incident.

Yadav also said that the government was committed to bringing the accused to justice at the earliest.