Haryana gang rape: Women rights activists protest outside Haryana Bhawan

Members of several women rights organisations protested outside the Haryana Bhawan in New Delhi on Monday to demand justice for the young woman who was gang-raped in Haryana's Mahendragarh district and stringent action against the accused.

The 19-year-year-old woman from Rewari, a recipient of the President's award for her academic achievements at school, was allegedly abducted and gang-raped by five men last week.

The Haryana Police Sunday arrested three men, including one of the prime accused.

"Only one of the (prime) accused has been arrested. Police's failure to nab the others shows the government's insensitivity towards the issue," a member of the All India Democratic Women's Association (AIDWA) said.

"One of the accused is an Army man. If he cannot be punished, what is the credibility of our system all about?" asked Sheena Chibbar from the All India Progressive Women's Association (AIPWA).

Maya John from the Centre for Struggling Women (CSW) alleged that the Khattar government has failed to open Nirbhaya centres aimed at helping rape victims seek immediate treatment and file complaints in a speedy manner.

"One cannot forget the horrific gang-rape of a mentally challenged woman in Rohtak district of Haryana, in which the culprits not only murdered the woman after raping her but also mutilated her body," she said.

The women activists demanded that strict punishment be given to the culprits in all the recent incidents of rape and murder.

"We demand that Nirbhaya centres be established in all the districts of the state and legal help and treatment be provided to all women victims of atrocities.

"It should be ensured that complaints of women victims are registered and acted upon by police. The activists have pledged to intensify their movement for women safety in the coming days," another activist said.