RTI activist to file PIL against UP police for remarks on rape

The UP police said that it believes that indecent clothing, exposure to mobile phones, the internet is responsible for the spurt in rape cases

Activist Lokesh Khurana on Thursday said that he will file a public interest litigation (PIL) against the Uttar Pradesh police after his Right to Information (RTI) query resulted in the latter making regrettable remarks on rape.

Khurana had filed a Right to Information query to the state DGP on July 30, seeking the reasons behind the spurt in sexual crimes against women in various districts of the state.

In their response, the UP police said that it believes that indecent clothing, exposure to mobile phones, the internet, and obscene literature is responsible for the spurt in rape cases.

"We did not expect such answers from the UP police. This reflects their irresponsibility. We will file a PIL in the Allahabad High Court and the fight will continue," said Khurana, adding that the "outrageous and weird" views reflected the irresponsible attitude of the Uttar Pradesh police.

The Uttar Pradesh police's reply has also garnered condemnation from various activists.

"The cat is out of the bag. The UP police doesn't act against criminals because they share the same view as them," said social activist Kavita Srivastava.

Delhi Commission for Women Chairperson Barkha Shukla Singh said that they were nothing but a reflection of the 'small mentality' of the officers.