Rattled by the recent case of alleged gang-rape in Hathras, Uttar Pradesh, the Union Home Ministry has issued a detailed advisory to the states on tackling crimes against women. Significantly, the advisory has also proposed action against the police officials who are found negligent in their investigations of these cases.

“Any lapses, if noticed, need to be investigated and stringent action taken immediately against the concerned officers responsible for the same,’’ said the Home Ministry’s advisory. 

The advisory, issued by Deputy Secretary Mr Pawan Mehta on behalf of the Home Ministry  held: “I am directed to state that Government of India has taken steps to strengthen legislative provisions to deal with incidents of sexual offences against women and girls.

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“Government of India has also issued various advisories to the States/ Union Territories from time-to-time emphasizing the strict actions to be taken by the police in cases of crime against women, including in cases of sexual assault which includes registration of FIR, collection of evidence for forensic examination and use of Sexual Assault Evidence Collection (SAEC) Kit, completion of investigation in sexual assault cases in two months, use of National Database on Sexual Offenders for identifying and tracking repeat sexual offenders etc. Copies of these advisories are enclosed.’’

The advisory added, “it is requested that States/ UTs, may suitably issue instructions to all concerned to ensure strict compliance with the provisions in the law, as mentioned above. It is also requested to monitor the cases on ITSSO (Investigation Tracking System for Sexual Offences) to ensure that suitable follow up action is taken for charge-sheet of the guilty in a timely manner as required in the law.’’