...but when will Ashiana gang rape victim get justice?

The death sentence to the four accused in the Delhi gang rape case has stirred a debate in the state capital. Though satisfied over the timely verdict in the case, many feel that this punishment is not the solution.

Some are against the death penalty for its time-taking process. They say that it may take many years for the final day of punishment. While others say that death is not the solution and only life imprisonment until death, and that too under strict circumstances, would have been a better punishment for the perpetrators of the barbaric crime.

Social activist Roop Rekha Verma said, “I have always been against death penalty. I don’t deny the quantum of the offence that the boys committed. But death is certainly not a solution.”

Legal expert Renu Mishra of the Association for Advocacy and Legal Initiatives (AALI), said: “The December 16 gang rape has been an important case in the history of India as it has given a new law to the country. It was for the first time that there was serious discussion in the Parliament over the issue.”

But, death is not the solution, she said. “It takes about 10-15 years for the final hanging after the death sentence is pronounced. Since things are moving at a fast pace in the case, it may happen a little earlier. But it would certainly be a matter of some years,” added Renu.

Celebrating the fast judgment in the case, volunteers of the All-India Democratic Women’s Association (AIDWA) demanded early justice for the Ashiana gang rape victim, whose case has been pending for more than eight years now.

The Ashiana victim said, “I am happy to hear that there has been justice for a girl who underwent so much pain and trauma and finally lost her life. The judgment has certainly sent a strong message that those who commit such heinous crimes should not be allowed to live.”

Furious over the mere recall of the barbaric incident, which she too underwent years ago, the victim said, “No one can imagine what a girl undergoes after being attacked by spoilt brats. The culprits should be killed right away, without any delay.”

Her father who saw the statements of the Delhi victim’s parents on television, said: “I too want to feel the same happiness, but God alone knows when the day would come.”

Oxfam India also expressed concern over the rising incidents of violence against women. Recommending fast track courts for speedy disposal of pending cases, it said that the time period for filing chargesheet by the police should be reduced.