Centre monitoring situation in Haryana after series of rapes

Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde at the monthly press conference of his ministry in New Delhi on Wednesday. PTI Photo

In the wake of several incidents of rape in Haryana, Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde today said the Central government was constantly monitoring the situation there but it was the responsibility of the state government to check such crimes.

"We are constantly monitoring it. You know that due to the Constitution we can't interfere. We have to be careful. State government has more responsibility," he said at a press conference here.

Shinde said UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi had met family members of one of the rape victims yesterday in a Haryana village and efforts were being made to stop such crimes.
"It is a very sad matter that such atrocities are being committed against Dalits. We are discussing how to take strict measures. Our people have spoken to the DGP and I will also speak to the Chief Minister," he said.

Asked about activities of Khap panchayats in Haryana, which often issue diktats to society members on different issues, the Home Minister said, "In India, we have to abide by the Indian law."

On the allegations of withdrawal of security cover to some Congress leaders in Punjab, Shinde said security should be given those whose threat perception was high.

"I have written to Uttar Pradesh (government), I have written to Punjab (government). It is the responsibility of both state and the Central governments to provide security to those whose threat perception is high," he said.

On the investigation into the August 1 Pune blast, he said, "We have gone ahead and we would be successful in Pune investigation. There is progress but I do not want to disclose because we are still waiting for 2-3 persons."