The Goalpara District Administration on Friday arranged a public meeting to discuss the alarming rise of crime against children and women especially after the recent rape incident inside a private institution.
The meeting was held at the Natasurjya Phani Sarma Bhawan of the town.
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Analyzing the crime scenario of the district, Amitava Sinha, Superintendent of Police said, “Crime against women is a gender oriented issue and the law takes its own course after a crime is committed. But we should try to prevent its occurrence.”
“Delay in reporting is one of the main problems in Goalpara which leads to the release of the criminal. A system of Dewani or justice by self styled leader at rural areas causes delay.”
Regarding the recent science academy incident, he said “There was an effort to downplay the crime by the school authorities.”
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He also emphasized the need of installing CC Cameras in private institutions and the provision of separate washrooms for boys and girls.
Senior advocate and vice principal of Goalpara Law College, expressing grief over the matter remarked that 70 percent of cases against women that come into the Goalpara district court is from the Muslim community whereas in Islamic scriptures women hold a high position.
Ronjeeta Agarwala, Secretary District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) elaborated about the Assam Victims Compensation Act 2015 in the state and informed that a rape victim receives Rs 3 lakh as compensation which is higher than the murder victim families. She also highlighted the significance of Prevention of Children from Sexual Offences Act 2012 to deal with the criminals.
Deputy Commissioner, Ghanashyam Dass in his concluding speech appealed to all concerned to cooperate with the administration to curb crimes against women and children. However, he expressed satisfaction that the child marriage has decreased in the district.
According to the State Child Protection Society sources, in the first quarter of the 2017 in the five Lower Assam districts Goalpara, Dhubri, Barpeta, Kokrajhar and South Salmara a total of 229 cases have been registered under the POCSO Act and 114 charge sheets have been filled. Among the districts, Barpeta has the highest number of 94 cases registered upto the March month.