Make rapists impotent, let them repent: NCW

Demanding the enactment of stringent laws to deter people from committing crimes like rape, the National Commission for Women on Thursday favoured the capital punishment for perpetrators and even suggested that they should be made 'impotent'.

"Capital punishment is very important. I suggest that they should be made impotent so that they repent every day of their life. It is very important. Unless such punishments are meted out to the culprits, I don't think women will feel secure in our country," NCW Chairperson Mamta Sharma said.

The NCW, along with its member organisations and NGOs from nine states, on Thursday unanimously passed a resolution demanding strict action against the accused.

They also asked for the enactment of stringent laws to prohibit such crimes and said the mere removal of tinted glass and increase in police patrol won't solve the purpose.

Sharma said just passing a resolution won't be sufficient and the step needs to be backed by strong action.

She also demanded sensitisation of the police and insisted that the probe of rape case shouldn't be handled by an officer less than the rank of deputy superintendent of police. She also demanded that a detailed report of the crime should be presented within a month.

"I am not saying that all officers are insensitive towards rape victims but there have been instances when the victim is not treated properly when she goes to a police station to file her complaint. We want rape investigations to be carried out by officers not below the rank of DSP," she said.

While expressing concerns about rape victims, Sharma said that necessary changes should be made in rape laws so that the accused don't get away easily. A strong deterrent should be put in place and an example should be set by punishing the culprits in the strictest manner.

"Life becomes tough for a rape victim. Unlike in a murder case where the issue ends with the offence, in a rape case the issue begins with the commission of crime," she said, adding it wasn't the time for political bickering.

She insisted that concerted efforts need to be taken to deal with the increasing violence towards women.

"Whenever such an incident happens, questions are asked of the NCW. The Commission has no magic wand. The process should involve concerted efforts, only then an effective and forceful law will come into place," she said.