Women's organisations today welcomed the death sentence awarded to four convicts in the December 16 gangrape case, but said only capital punishment is not a deterrent and swiftness and surety of punishment will be more effective in preventing such crimes.
They said other similar cases should also get attention and demanded effective and efficient policing so that criminals do not get away with such crimes.
"This was a heinous crime, but it is not the time for celebrations but for sober reflections. It's time to remember Nirbhaya and many other Nirbhayas in the country who are yet to get justice," Kavita Krishnan, Secretary of All India Progressive Women's Association, said.
She said there were many rape victims who needed to be heard. In the rape and murder case of Thangjam Manorama, allegedly by Assam Rifles jawans in 2004, Krishnan said, "We have not been able get the case registered. Her dead body was found with several bullet wounds, including on her genitalia."
She said death penalty is not a deterrent to rapes.
Supporting her views, Kalpana Vishwanathan of NGO Jagori said surveys conducted abroad have shown that capital punishment does not work as a deterrent in rape cases.
"...Better policing, change in mindset, swiftness and surety of punishment and ending impunity will help as deterrent in crime against women," she said, adding that it is good that the December 16 gangrape case reached its conclusion and the convicts were sentenced quickly.
Holding that death sentence to the four convicts was within the "legal framework of the law", CPI(M) Leader Brinda Karat said the brutal gangrape and murder of the girl was a rarest of the rare case, "and in the present legal framework, they have got the death sentence."
Nisha Agarwal of Oxfam India said the need of the hour is deep "attitudinal and behavioural shifts" which enables women to live a violence-free life. "We hope that all cases of violence against women are dealt with in a fast-track manner."
Former IPS official Kiran Bedi said she was "relieved to see beast sent to hell."
"If this happens in each case, message will be one. U commit such crime u go to hell! Clear message to parents and teachers and community at large. Be responsible! Or be hung! And lose your life. Thank u for Justice Done!" Bedi tweeted.
