Shillong April 01: The Home Minister Smti Roshan Warjri said that the attention of the Government has been drawn to the recent cases of crimes against women, and more particularly the rape case. The Government has taken serious note of it and the Police authorities have been advised to assign the highest priority to expeditious and objective investigation of all such cases and take firm action against the accused.
The Government has taken up various measures have been taken by the Government to deal effectively with the problem of crimes against women and children. Women Police Stations have already been set up at the Headquarters of the seven older Districts, and the move is already afoot to set up these in the newly created Districts as well. Special Juvenile Police Units have been constituted in all the eleven Districts.
For the trial of alleged rape case three Fast Tracks Courts have been set up at Shillong, Tura and Jowai. A Special Court to try cases relating to rape alone has been set up at Nongstoin. Special Public Prosecutors have been appointed to pursue cases in each of the aforesaid four Courts. All these courts are fully functional at present. In respect to Tura Court, The previous Judge had tendered resignation and new Judge has already been appointed and he has assumed charge on the 1st April 2013. Therefore, there was no break in the incumbency of this court.
Not only the above mention measure that the government has taken but Some new measures are also on the anvil. A separate Directorate of Prosecution has already been sanctioned by the Government. The Recruitment Rules are being framed in order to ensure that the best talent gets selected for the job. This will go a long way in improving the way the cases get pursued in the courts. In the long term, this would also help in improving the quality of investigation.
The government is also considering to separate investigation from the other functions of the Police. There will be a dedicated team of officers to deal with investigation alone. With proper training and experience over time, this should lead to faster investigation, better investigation and higher convictions. Then only the deterrent effect of law would become visible. This would also help in ensuring greater accountability on part of the police officers. To begin with, this will be attempted in Shillong. Based on the experience gained, it would be extended to other areas said the minister (SP News)
