Hanging will send right message: Maha CM on Kopardi rape case

As his government faced a fierce attack over the brutal gangrape and murder of a girl in Ahmednagar, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis today said death penalty would be sought for the guilty.
    

"Only after hanging will the right message go in the state," Fadnavis told the state Assembly.
    

"This is a very serious crime. DNA evidence is scientific evidence and will help in conviction. A five-member team, including forensic experts, will help bring the case to charge sheet level in next 4 to 6 days," he said, replying to a discussion on the issue in the Lower House.
    

Fadnavis said the state government will ask court to hang the guilty.
    

"We will also ensure there are no adjournments in the the case," he said.
    

The brutal gangrape and murder of the girl had rocked both the houses of Maharashtra Legislature yesterday as its monsoon session got underway and a debate on the issue was held today in the Lower House.
    

The crime had sparked protests across the state, with people taking to the streets demanding action against the accused, while Congress demanded the resignation of the CM on moral grounds.
    

"I appeal to people in the state to stop venting their ire over the issue," he said.
    

"It is difficult to believe that someone could indulge in an act which is worse than that of a dog," he said.
    

Referring to criticism by opposition that police action against the accused came late, Fadnavis said, "It is not factual that there was delay in police action."
    

"All three accused have been arrested. Action will also be taken against the fourth accused," he said, adding that the CID will probe if Jitendra Shinde, an accused, had a role in an old murder case.
    

He said Pune Police Commissioner Rashmi Shukla will be directed to meet the victim's kin and talk to villagers.
    

"Guardian minister and senior police officials visited the village. I could not visit as I was away in Russia," Fadnavis said.
    

The Chief Minister said the rate of conviction in such crimes, which was 8 percent, has reached 21 percent. Over 90 percent of crimes against women involve known persons, he noted.
    

The Kopardi rape has blackened the face of Maharashtra, Fadnavis said.
    

"We will bring in a legislation providing 10 years jail sentence for those involved in illicit liquor cases. Police officials will be held responsible and action taken against them for illicit liquor in their area," he added.

• Rape in India
• Fadnavis
• Kopardi case