Speaker seeks report from Delhi Police on anti-Kurien protest

Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar today assured Left members that she has sought a "factual note" from Delhi Police on the reported lathi-charge by them on MPs seeking removal of Deputy Chairman P J Kurien who is facing charges in the Suryanelli rape case.

M P Rajesh (CPI-M) raised this matter during Zero Hour and alleged that police had beaten up MPs and activists of the Left parties when they were protesting in the national capital yesterday.

Congress members protested when Rajesh said Kurien is "involved in a serious case of sexual harassment". They maintained this was incorrect as Kurien has been discharged in the case by the Supreme Court and the High Court.

Amid commotion, the Speaker asked Rajesh to wind up. Not satisfied with the time given, Rajesh, accompanied by other CPI(M) members, walked into the Well and requested the Speaker to ensure protection of members.

Kumar said she had received the complaint from Rajesh on the reported beating up of Left members by Delhi police. "I am calling for a factual note from Delhi Police on the matter," she said.

Hansraj Ahir (BJP) raised the issue of rape and murder of three sisters in Bhandara. He pointed out that the accused have not yet been arrested and the police have accepted that it was due to initial laxity on their part.

"In the Delhi gangrape case, police have taken action. This is an even more serious case," Ahir said, demanding that action be taken immediately.

The Speaker expressed concern over the issue and described the incident as "sad and shameful".

"Such incidents are taking place frequently in different parts of the country, especially against those belonging to weaker sections of society.

These are not coming to a stop. Government should take strict measures," she said.