Fast-track courts to try child rape cases

Alarmed by the increasing number of child rape cases, the state government will try the accused in fast-track courts and end the trials in three months.

Alarmed by the increasing number of child rape cases, the state government will try the accused in fast-track courts and end the trials in three months.

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Home Minister R R Patil made this announcement in the Legislative Assembly on Tuesday after legislators expressed concern over the increase in crimes against underage girls during a debate on law and order issues.

"We want to dispose of child rape cases in three months," Patil told the House.

According to Patil, 11 child rapes were registered across the state in last six months. In Kurla's Nehru Nagar alone, three girls were raped and murdered since March.

"Arrests were made in eight cases," Patil said. "Now, we need to get them [accused] harsh sentences at the earliest."

Patil said the government will seek the Bombay High Court's approval for the fast-track courts. The administration will put up a proposal to this effect very soon, he added.

Pune blast accused identified

Patil said the suspects in the German Bakery blast at Pune were identified.

"We not only know their [suspects'] names and have authentic information on their addresses, but we also have their pictures," he said.

Patil said the investigating agencies were taking all precautions to prevent them from leaving the country.

CBI to appeal in Khairlanji case

Patil said the CBI has decided to challenge the Bombay High Court's verdict in the Khairlanji mass murder case.

"The state wants to prove the act of atrocity against the four Dalit victims [the Bhotmange family] who were killed by upper caste people."