Guwahati HC asks Assam govt to set up fasttrack courts for rape cases

GUWAHATI: Chief minister Sarbananda Sonowal launched the a helpline for women in Guwahati on Thursday, a day after the Gauhati high court ordered a fast track court to be set up in each district of the state to deal with cases of rape and murder of women and children.

The HC order came after a request from Sonowal, according to a tweet he sent out on March 26.

“…also wrote a letter to the Chief Justice of Gauhati High Court and requested for setting up a fast track court to take up all cases of crimes against women on an urgent basis for strict action against perpetrators of such crimes,” he had tweeted.

Meanwhile, on Thursday, Sonowal inaugurated the 181Sakhi helpline for immediate help to women in distress in the state.

The toll free helpline will work from 9 am to 5.30pm initially but will soon be turned into a 24-hour service.

“Superintendents of Police of all the districts have been asked to ensure swift and correct filing of charge sheets in all crimes against women so that justice can be given to the victims,” Sonowal reportedly said at the inauguration event.

The helpline is part of a scheme under the ministry of women and child development and the government of India to provide 24-hour assistance to women affected by violence.

Sonowal said he also ordered a new women’s cell at the director general of police office in Guwahati to ensure swift action in cases of violence against women and children in the state.

The recent case of the gangrape and murder of a 12-year-old in a village in Nagaon district by three people, had sparked protests in the state.

CM SARBANANDA SONOWAL ON THURSDAY INAUGURATED 181SAKHI HELPLINE SERVICE TO OFFER IMMEDIATE HELP TO WOMEN IN DISTRESS IN ASSAM