NCW fact-finding in Rewari gangrape case shows laxity on part of police

NEW DELHI: The National Commission for Women’s fact-finding team has said that facts in the Rewari gangrape case involving a 19 - year - old woman show that there was a clear delay on the part of the Haryana police in taking prompt action to trace the alleged accused. The NCW has also pointed out that there was no privacy for the already traumatised survivor who is undergoing treatment in a government hospital.
“The zero FIR was lodged at 3.30 am on September 13, however, the FIR was transferred only at 7.15 pm that day, therefore there was a delay on the part of the Rewari police in taking prompt action to trace and arrest the alleged accused,” the fact-finding team has stated in its report that they have submitted to NCW chief Rekha Sharma.
“The scene of the crime was not sealed at the time when the team visited the site. It may amount to the destruction of evidence. Though when this issue was taken up with the SIT, it was informed that the forensic team has already collected the samples and till then the proper procedure was followed by the forensic team,” it is pointed. The NCW notes that the SIT, however, said the crime scene would be sealed as suggested by the team.
“Parents of the victim while interacting with the team stated that the victim could identify only three accused but they suspected that more than 10-12 could be involved in the crime, it is stated in the report.
On the state of the survivor, the NCW team has said that in the ward where she was being treated there were lots of patients throughout the day and people were walking in and out. This was causing discomfort to the survivor and her family. “There was no privacy for the already traumatised victim and the family,” the NCW team noted.
“The victim was in a state of shock and in trauma after the horrific incident and needs proper counselling, rehabilitation and other remedial support. Parents of the victim also need counselling” the NCW report recommends.