Implement Verma panel recommendations: IWPC

Indian Women's Press Corps (IWPC) Friday demanded the implementation of the Verma Commission recommendations following an alarming rise in rape cases across India.

IWPC expressed its "deep concern" at the unabated increase in crimes against women, according to an official of the organisation.

"Following the horrific hanging of two minor girls in Badaun district, Uttar Pradesh, there have been several other instances of rape and gang rape reported from other parts of the country. We urge political parties to take this up seriously and to ensure the implementation of the Verma Commission recommendations," IWPC president T.K. Rajalakshmi said.

She expressed her strong disapproval of irresponsible statements made by some political leaders which "belittle the gravity of the crime".

"Statements like 'boys will be boys' or that 'rape is a social crime which depends on the man and the woman'... are not acceptable and we urge the political class to be more accountable and conduct themselves more responsibly and sensitively in matters dealing with crimes against women," Rajalakshmi said.

The UP government has come under strong criticism in recent times after recurring rapes in the state.

Among others, a woman judge was recently sexually assaulted in UP. Two Dalit girls were gang raped and murdered in Badaun May 27.

While UP Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav is facing charges of not doing enough for the safety of women, his father and Samajwadi Party chief Mulayam Yadav stunned people in a Lok Sabha election rally in April by questioning the capital punishment for rape.