DCW chief Swati Maliwal seeks Rajnath Singh's help to up women safety in Delhi

The Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) on 31 August sent a letter to Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh and apprised him about the increasing crimes against women in New Delhi.

In her letter, DCW chief Swati Maliwal also brought to attention the case of a 23-year-old girl who was burnt alive by 16 people because she said no to one of their sexual advances.

In another incident a few weeks back, a 16-year-old girl was gang-raped and burnt to death. Human trafficking continues in areas like GB Road. It is sad to note that in the month of August alone more than 80 minor girls have fallen victims to the heinous crime of rape.

The DCW Chief has written that the Commission deals with such cases everyday and they try to help the victim to the best of their capabilities. However, the commission feels that after the initial registration of FIRs, the victim falls into the trap of systemic rigmarole.

Justice is often delayed due to the high pendency of cases and delays in investigation and forensic reports. This has created an atmosphere in Delhi that emboldens the perpetrators of crimes against women who have no fear of the system.

Reportedly, Maliwal had previously also informed the Union Home Minister of the issues plaguing the women safety scenario in Delhi. Given the constitutional special status of Delhi, and the lack of coordination between the Centre and State government is being detrimental to taking concrete steps for ensuring women safety in the capital.

According to Delhi Police, in 2014 out of all the cases of crimes against women, investigations were completed in only 50 % of the cases and there were convictions in very few cases.

The Commission has once again requested the Home Minister for the constitution of a high-level committee under his chairmanship which shall include the Delhi Chief Minister, Lt. Governor, Delhi Police and Delhi Commission for Women in order to fix accountability for women safety.