Delhi Commission for Women chief writes to Madhya Pradesh CM about Ujjain rape case
Oct 25, 2023
New Delhi [India], October 25 : Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) Chairperson Swati Maliwal wrote a letter to the Madhya Pradesh CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan about the shocking incident of rape of a 12-year-old girl by a 24-year-old auto driver in MP's Ujjain, said a press release by DCW on Wednesday.
Maliwal, in her letter, requested immediate access for the survivor to medical, psychological, and rehabilitative care to aid her recovery and financial assistance of at least Rs 50 lakh to the survivor's family for recovery and rehabilitation, said the official statement.
In her letter, the DCW Chairperson highlighted the horrid fact that the survivor child was forced to travel door to door on foot for 2.5 hours, covering 8 km to seek help.
However, no one helped her and she was found bleeding in a semi-naked condition.
The girl was admitted to a hospital, where she spent several days in recovery.
Thereafter, an FIR was registered in the matter and the accused was arrested by Madhya Pradesh Police. It was reported in the media that the government of Madhya Pradesh had announced assistance to the girl, including financial help.
However, reportedly, the same has not been furnished by the government till date, said Maliwal in her letter.
She further highlighted that a meagre Rs. 1500 has been given to the family by a local leader, which is insufficient for the kind of recovery needed for the survivor.
The DCW Chairperson further mentioned in the letter that journalists visiting the village have confirmed that the girl lives in a thatched hut and still has to travel 300 metres every day to fetch water from one available pump out of only two hand pumps in the village.
She further wrote that the injury and trauma due to the offence cannot be compensated with money; however, it can help the child and her family recover from the horrific incident and undergo rehabilitation.
Maliwal has requested CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan for immediate intervention and requested that a minimum of Rs. 50 lakh be given to the survivor's family as financial assistance.
The DCW Chairperson stated, "The report is shocking. The girl was raped brutally and was forced to walk for 8 km seeking help. Now, the government has not provided any assistance to the survivor. She must be given financial help of Rs. 50 lakh. Further, the state government must ensure the rehabilitation of the survivor."
