Selfie with rape victim costs women's panel member her job

Saumya Gurjar, member of Rajasthan State Commission for Women, resigned on Thursday after her selfie with a rape victim went viral on social media.

She along with Chairperson of SWC Suman Sharma were caught in a row, on Wednesday, after media captured Saumya while taking a selfie with the victim. The member was asked to resign after Chief Minister's Office intervened in the matter. Thursday late evening, Saumya handed over her resignation to CMO.

According to BJP State President Ashok Parnami, "One should be very cautious while addressing sensitive issues. Her resignation has come as a confession of her guilt." In the selfie, both the women office bearers are seen with the victim in a cheerful mood. Saumya clicked the selfie with her tablet  after completion of a hearing of the rape victim in Mahila police station (Jaipur North). The matter came to light when the two pictures, in which Gurjar is seen clicking the selfie, went viral on WhatsApp on Wednesday.

After the selfie picture went viral on the internet it attracted severe criticism from numerous social groups and political parties.

Demanding the resignation of the Commission Chairperson too, former Chief Minister and senior Congress leader Ashok Gehlot said, "The gesture shows how insensitive BJP government is in the state. Instead of curbing the crime and being concerned towards the victim they are joyously taking selfie with her and entertaining themselves. It is very sad that a member and chairperson of Women's Commission have such a callous attitude."
Suman defended the member saying she took selfie to cheer up the victim.

The 30-year-old victim, who complained of domestic violence, has accused her husband and in-laws of tattooing abuses on her body after dowry demands.

On Monday, an FIR was registered under Sections 498-A (Protection of Women Against Domestic Violence Act), 376 (punishment for rape)and 406 (punishment for criminal breach of trust) of the IPC.