UP reports 23 rapes in 10 days of new year

With crime against women in the national spotlight, the country’s most populous state reported as many as 23 rapes in the first 10 days of the new year, with three victims burnt for spurning or resisting their attackers.

Most incidents took place in western and central parts of the state, and as many as 70 per cent rapes were reported from villages and small towns, according to official statistics.

Director general of oolice A C Sharma is pitching for more stringent laws for crimes against women.

“Even one reported rape or assault on women is a shame,” Sharma said. A 16-year-old girl was set on fire when she foiled a rape attempt in Shankargarh in Allahabad district.

She suffered more than 70 per cent burns and is still battling for life. The victim told police that she tried her best to save herself from her neighbour and attacker, Gyan Patel, 20.
She accused his parents of helping him in the attack. Police officials admitted they were horrified to hear the story.

“Incidents of rape are shameful, but cases of victims being stabbed and burnt alive are indeed very shocking,” deputy inspector general of police Navneet Sikera said.

He said in the thousands of complaints reaching the women’s helpline from across the sprawling state, many complained of being threatened by boys and men.

A 17-year-old girl was set on fire by a jilted lover in Hathras on the last day of 2012. Police got the complaint on January 1. After four days, she succumbed to her burns.

Police said she was attacked inside her house when the assailant, Arjun, barged in and doused her with kerosene.

He then set her on fire before the family could come to her rescue. In Farukkhabad district, a 14-year-old girl was set on fire by a young man, Shrawan Jatav, after he failed to rape her. She suffered 70 per cent burns.

SP Nilabjo Chowdhary said her condition was critical and that the assailant and his family members were absconding.