NCW seeks free and fair probe

The National Commission for Women (NCW) has asked the Chandigarh Police to conduct a free and fair investigation into the case.

The commission has also asked the police to keep it updated with the developments “at every stage”.
Mounting pressure on the Chandigarh Police, the Indian Administrative Service (Central) Association has also demanded for an “exemplary and timely punishment” to the accused.

“In the letter (to the police), we have asked them to conduct a quick, immediate, fair and free investigation in the case and let us know what is happening at every stage,” a news agency quoted NCW Chairperson Lalitha Kumaramangalam as saying.

“I have always said that the stature of the people involved in the incident should not matter... their antecedents should not matter... they could be rich, poor, political, religious, it doesn’t matter,” she said.

Lalitha described the remarks of Chandigarh BJP vice president Ramveer Bhatti that girls and women should not go out alone in the midnight “regrettable and unfortunate”.

“Absolutely shocking. Time we made our nation a safe place for all women. Exemplary and timely punishment for offences (are) a must,” the Indian Administrative Service (Central) Association stated.