After the statement of a woman, who has alleged a former Rajasthan minister of sexual assault, is recorded in front of a magistrate under sector 164 of the CrPc, the accused should be arrested, chairperson of Rajasthan State Commission for Women said today.
"Immediately after the rape victim's statement under 164 of CrPC, whosoever the accused is and irrespective of the post held, should be arrested," SCW chairperson Lad Kumari Jain said after attending a workshop on 'Child Marriage and Child Widow' organised here by Lado, an NGO.
On whether the Congress government in Rajasthan was trying to save its former minister, Jain said, "It does not appear that the government is saving him directly. But, delay is caused in the matter for sure."
Quoting the 35-year-old victim who has charged Nagar for rape and assault, Jain said, "The victim has doubts that everything in the matter is being done under pressure."
"I have met her and promised all help," she said.
"Those who hold responsible posts, should refrain from such acts of crime.
"What kind of message they (Nagar and MLA Udailal Anjana) are giving to the next generation...What kind of role model are they projecting in the society?" she asked.
Earlier speaking at the workshop, Jain said lack of socio-economic security in villages was the main reason behind crime against child and child marriages in Rajasthan.
Marriage registration should also be strictly implemented in the rural areas to contain child marriage, she said adding, right to choice for pregnancy and reproductive right to a married woman should be ensured to check crimes against them.
If right to education was extended in rural areas, child marriage-related violence could be minimised, she opined.
Chairperson of Lado, Preeti Joshi said, number of "child widows" was never surveyed by the Rajasthan government.
