Rape accused should get death penalty: Rukhsana Kausar

"Accused who are apprehended in rape cases should not be released after their arrest. In such cases, the accused should be hanged," Rukhsana told PTI on the sidelines of a Republic Day function here.

Expressing shock and anger over the gang-rape of a paramedical student in New Delhi in December, Kausar said that though the girl could not be brought back now, stringent laws should be framed so that nobody in the country dares to play with a woman's honour in future.

Rukhsana, who has two daughters, is presently posted as a constable in her home district Rajouri in Jammu and Kashmir.

The brave woman came to the limelight when she, along with her younger brother Aijaz Ahmed, fought a group of three militants of Lashker-e-Taiba (LeT), who had entered her house in Rajouri district on September 27, 2009. Its Commander Abu Usama was killed in the incident, after Rukhsana, who was 19-years-old then, attacked him.

She was awarded the Kirti Chakra -- the second highest gallantry award-- on January 26, 2010 followed by the National Bravery Award, Sarvottam Jeevan Raksha Padak, Sardar Patel Award, Rani Jhansi Bravery Award and Astha Award, among others.

Rukhsana said that she wanted to bring up her daughter in such a manner that they felt no fear or pressure in life. "I have weathered a lot of problems in my life, but I want to keep my both daughters safe and away from terror," Rukhsana said.

She said that though the J&K police had helped her a lot, she has sought security for her family from the government.