Assam CM orders police to set up cell to address cases of crime against women

Guwahati, March 26 (PTI): Following the rape and killing of a minor girl in Nagaon district, Assam Chief Minister Sonowal today directed Director General of Police Mukesh Sahay to set up a cell to take up all cases of crime against women. Chairing an official meeting here, Sonowal said a high ranking woman police officer should take charge of the cell. “Women have been accorded highest respect in the Assamese society and these crimes against women have seriously dented the pride of the people of the state,” he said. Five men allegedly raped an 11-year-old girl and set her on fire when she was alone at home in Dhaniabheti Lalung Gaon in Nagon district on March 23. She died the next day. The chief minister also wrote a letter to Gauhati High Court Chief Justice Ajit Singh requesting him to set up a fast-track court to take up all cases of crimes against women on an urgent basis. “This would make fast and strict action against perpetrators of such crimes and result in reduction of crime rate in the state,” he said. Assam police required to have 30 per cent women personnel, including constables and officers, but there are several vacancies in the rank of sub-inspectors as many fail to clear physical tests. Sonowal said the government has decided to amend rules for appointment of women police officials as many women fail to clear physical tests. He also directed Chief Secretary T Y Das to take steps to create awareness about such crimes across the state involving students, teachers, NGOs, village heads, village defence forces, panchayat members, ASHA and anganwadi workers.