Elders discuss rape, seek all-party meeting on issue

Expressing their anger and anguish over the gruesome rape of a five-year-old child in the capital, members cutting across party lines on Monday pressed for strong action against those accused of atrocities against women and children with some members calling for death penalty for them.

Expressing their anger and anguish over the gruesome rape of a five-year-old child in the capital, members cutting across party lines on Monday pressed for strong action against those accused of atrocities against women and children with some members calling for death penalty for them.

During the impromptu discussion, members also urged government to convene an all-party meeting on the issue.

BJP MP Maya Singh called for the immediate execution of the two accused in the Delhi rape case. “It is proved that the person has done it (crime). Still, a case will be registered and tried in court. It is a lengthy process. We should immediately award him death penalty. Such people should be hanged,” she sought.

Singh’s party colleague, Najma Heptullah later endorsed the view.

CPM leader Sitaram Yechury also expressed shame at the incident. “Today our heads hang in shame that we cannot protect our mothers and children. The manifold rise in crimes, and the gruesomeness – words fail me to condemn them in the worst possible manner,” he said referring to the brutal rape of a five-year-old girl.

BSP chief Mayawati said there is a need to rise above party politics to curb rising rape incidents.

Blaming item numbersBJP MP, Najma Heptullah slammed portrayal of women in movies through item numbers. “A song goes like this… I am a roasted chicken, consume me with alcohol”… Can anyone support this,” she asked.

Why blame movies?Eminent lyricist Javed Akhtar had a different take on many MPs blaming the bad influence of movies on rising crime rates against women. “There are 14,000 or so movie halls in India. Out of which, 8,000 are in South India, where crime against women is less.”

At least listen to SoniajiMaking a spirited speech in the House, BJP MP Smriti Irani taunted the home minister. “Soniaji said what is needed is action. Don’t listen to us. But listen to Soniaji at least”.