Delhi Police under fire for naming rape survivor

The Delhi Commission for Women (DCW), the Congress, Bharatiya Janata Party and the Aam Aadmi Party criticised the Delhi Police on Friday for allegedly revealing a rape survivor’s identity.

The Delhi Commission for Women (DCW), the Congress, Bharatiya Janata Party and the Aam Aadmi Party criticised the Delhi Police on Friday for allegedly revealing a rape survivor’s identity.

The Delhi Commission for Women (DCW), the Congress, Bharatiya Janata Party and the Aam Aadmi Party criticised the Delhi Police on Friday for allegedly revealing a rape survivor’s identity.(Hindustan Times)

A police release on Thursday night about the arrest of eight men who abducted and raped a woman for 10 years allegedly mentioned the survivor’s name.

DCW chairperson Swati Maliwal demanded action against the police officer. Last month, the police filed an FIR against DCW officials for mentioning a rape survivor’s name. Maliwal said police tried to falsely implicate the DCW.

“We have a classic case of police revealing the name and no action being taken against them. This is a mistake and the commission will take requisite action in this case,” said Maliwal.

AAP spokesperson Deepak Bajpai called it an example of utter insensitivity. “It is a cognisable offence and if they were so prompt in registering a case against Swati Maliwal, what action will they take against the erring officials. Their merely issuing an apology on WhatsApp is not acceptable,” he said.

Delhi Congress chief Ajay Maken demanded a probe and strict action against the guilty. “It is condemnable. It is legally and morally wrong to reveal the name of the rape victim,” he said.

Delhi BJP’s media in-charge Praveen Shanker Kapoor said the Delhi Police commissioner should order a probe. “The matter should be examined under the purview of the law and if the officers have made mistake, the Delhi police commissioner must act against them.”

Deputy commissioner of police (north east) DR Singla told PTI, “We hadn’t revealed the new name of the girl. It was her childhood name, but then we clarified and asked people not to carry the name. Her name had earlier appeared in the media and certain media houses had mentioned her name. We had mentioned her old name at one place in the press release. We haven’t disclosed her current name.”