WB gangrape case: Victim's family meets Prez

I cannot settle with anything less than death penalty, says victims father

The family of the 16-year-old girl, who was gangraped and murdered in West Bengal, today met President Pranab Mukherjee demanding stringent punishment for the guilty.

The family members met the President at Rashtrapati Bhavan here alongwith women leaders like CPI(M) Politburo member Brinda Karat.

"I cannot settle with anything less than death penalty," the victim's father told reporters after their meeting with Mukherjee.

Karat said it was a time to support the grieving family members and accused the West Bengal government of failing them.

"We salute this family that inspite of enormous pressure on them ...In the last 40 years a case like this did not happen...The victim's father, inspite of his grief, is still standing here.

"Undoubtedly it is the government of the state which has to have the first responsibility and it is extremely unfortunate that in all their pain and distress the government of the state where they are living has not given any help...Forget (help under) Nirbhaya fund," CPI(M) leader Karat said.

The victim, who was gangraped twice in October had died on December 31, following burn injuries. Her family members had claimed that she was burnt alive by the culprits.

All India Democratic Womens Association (AIDWA) General Secretary Jagmati Sangwan said the crime is intolerable.

"We made a demand for CBI inquiry and the President himself was very much concerned. He assured that he is recommending a thorough investigation to the Home Ministry. Accountability has to be fixed and the action has to be taken.

"Bengal is a land of renaissance and it should not be tolerated. It is highly objectionable and I condemn it in strongest words," she said while accompanying the victim's family members.