Akhilesh orders women's helpline to be set up in all districts

Rattled by the national outcry after the rape and killing of two minors in Uttar Pradesh's Budaun, Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav Monday ordered the setting up of women helplines in all 75 districts of the state.

A statement issued by the chief minister's office said senior superintendents of police/superintendents of police will be monitoring the helpline.

Women facing harassment or any other form of violence can use the helpline and a probe would be conducted by the women's cell of police, it said. All such probes will also be monitored by district police chiefs, an official said.

Giving these directions, Akhilesh Yadav stressed the state government was committed to protecting the honour of the women and ensuring their safety, while warning people behind such harassment will not be spared at any cost.

The chief minister also directed that in case of an incident of rape, senior police and district officials should reach the crime scene and ensure immediate arrest of the culprits and security and safety of the victims.

Terming incidents such as rape were inhuman and serious criminal offences, he said such cases should be pursued through fast track courts and district magistrates to oversee the process and also ensure that government counsels are present in the case and the criminals are brought to justice at the earliest.

Officials were also directed to to ensure adequate security to the victim and her family and see that if any one from the side of the accused tries to intimidate and threaten the victim or her family, action should be taken under the stringent National Security Act (NSA).