Union Law Minister Kapil Sibal on Friday condemned the gang-rape of a 22-year-old female photojournalist in Mumbai, saying the country cannot afford insecurity of women in society.
"This country cannot afford insecurity; you have women and children insecure in the hand of those who attack. Law must be made effective," Sibal told media here.
"This incident must be dealt with utmost seriousness," he added.
A 22-year-old photojournalist, interning for a lifestyle magazine, was allegedly raped by at least three among a group of five men at an abandoned mill close to the railway tracks in the Mahalaxmi area of Mumbai last night.
The incident reportedly took place at around 8 p.m. when the girl and her male colleague were at Shakti Mills, which is located very close to the railway tracks in the Mahalaxmi area, shooting for a magazine assignment.
"The victim had gone along with her friend to the Shakti Mills to take some photographs. It was evening time. And, there the two boys...and based on the statements given by them (others detained in the case for questioning), three more men came, who then raped her," Mumbai Police Commissioner Satyapal Singh said.
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In a chilling reminder of the December 16 gang rape in Delhi, the men tied up the victim's friend and raped the woman.
The victim is recuperating in Jaslok Hospital. Preliminary reports suggested she has sustained multiple internal injuries.
A special squad has been formed by the local police as well as by the crime branch to probe into the case and investigators has fanned out across the city to trace the accused.
