Will bring new law making death penalty mandatory for those who rape minors: Mehbooba

Srinagar: Reiterating that she stands committed to never let another child suffer like Aasifa, who was gang-raped and later brutally murdered in Kathua in Jammu region, Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti said the state government will bring a new law that will make death penalty mandatory for those who rape minors. 

“I want to assure the entire nation that I stand committed not just to ensure justice for Aasifa but also seek exemplary punishment for those responsible for a crime whose brutal savagery has shamed humanity,” Ms Mehbooba wrote on micro-blogging site twitter.

“We will never ever let another child suffer in this way. We will bring a new law that will make the death penalty mandatory for those who rape minors, so that little Ashifa’s case becomes the last,” she added.

Asserting that the law will not be obstructed by the irresponsible actions and statements of a group of people, the Chief Minister said that proper procedures are being followed and justice will be delivered in Asifa rape and murder case.

“The law will not be obstructed by the irresponsible actions & statements of a group of people. Proper procedures are being followed, investigations are on the fast track & justice will be delivered. #JusticeForAsifa,”Ms Mehbooba.

The comment by the Chief Minister has comes after a strike was called by the Jammu Bar association on Wednesday, seeking the case to be transferred from Crime Branch of state police to Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), evoked a lukewarm response in the winter, capital.

A group of lawyers tried to prevent CB from producing the challan in the court on Monday. However, later with the help of police the challan was filed in the court. Seven people were arrested by the CB in the rape and murder case. A number of BJP leaders and Kathua Bar Association are demanded that the case be handed over to CBI. Two ministers of the BJP also joined protest against the arrest of accused, evoking massive condemnation from various organisations. (UNI)