Union Women & Child Development Minister Maneka Gandhi has proposed that death sentence should be awarded as punishment to those found guilty of raping children and minor girls.

Menaka’s suggestion comes in the aftermath of the brutal gang-rape and murder of a helpless yet determined 8-year old Muslim Gujjar community girl Asifa Bano in Kathua District of Jammu & Kashmir.  The incident, who has shocked the conscience of every right-thinking individual in the country and elsewhere, reportedly took place in January third week but had come to light only now.

“It is indeed agonizing to note that minor girls especially girls who are not even 10-years old are subjected to brutal sexual assault in many parts of the country.  I appeal to the Centre to consider making death penalty mandatory to those accused of and found guilty of indulging in such acts so that it instills fear of death and discourages anyone from attempting such criminal activities in future.

“Under the provisions of POSCO Act, death penalty is not awarded.  We would soon recommend to the Ministry of Law to make necessary amendments in the above-said Act to award death penalty to such criminals,” she said.  “However high-ranking the accused might be, he won’t be spared in Kathua and Unnao rape cases,” she assured.