Rape accused to lose govt facilities in Haryana

Rape accused and those facing charges of eve-teasing and sexual harassment will be debarred from all government facilities including a driving license, a gun license, old age pension and pension for the physically disabled.

The Haryana government announced this on Thursday. These facilities and services will remain suspended for the rape accused till the court announces its verdict in the case. In case the accused is convicted and sentenced, he would not be eligible for any of the above-mentioned facilities anymore.

The government also announced an avant-garde move where a victim of rape will be provided financial assistance of Rs 22,000 if she wants to hire a lawyer of her choice. Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar announced this at an event held here.

The investigation officer will have to complete the investigation in a rape case in a time-bound manner within a period of one month. In eve-teasing case, he will have to complete the probe within 15 days, failing which action would be initiated against the investigating police officer. “Six fast track courts would be set up in districts where 50 or more cases of rape, eve-teasing and mental harassment are pending in the courts,” the CM said.

Girl students of classes 9th to 12th would also be given training in self-defence for which instructors would be appointed. The government said awareness among girl students about the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO Act) and other related Acts will be imparted in school.