Rapists to be named, shamed on website

New Delhi: In an attempt to name and shame rapists, the government is mulling to create a database of all rape convicts across the country and their photographs, names and addresses would be made public. Minister of state for Home R.P.N. Singh said he has directed the National Crime Records Bureau to prepare a directory of all rape convicts and upload their photographs, names and addresses on its website. This can, however, be possible once the accused has been convicted for the crime. “We are planning to start it in Delhi. Photographs, names and addresses of the rapists will be uploaded on Delhi Police website also,” he said. Police website to carry convict’s photo Minister of state for home R.P.N. Singh on Thursday said that the plan to create a database of all rape convicts across the country and to make public their photographs, names and addresses will subsequently cover all states and UTs after implementing it in Delhi and websites of state police forces will carry photographs, names and addresses of the rape convicts. Meanwhile, the Union home ministry has called a special meet with DGPs and chief secretaries of all states and UTs on January 4 to take stock of measures for safety of women and the need to strengthen police response in such cases. State governments will be asked to plug the gaps by strengthening institutional mechanisms like setting up of women police stations, training and sensitisation of police forces, recruiting more women constables and improving conviction rates among other steps. Many states have been found lagging behind in such measures. At the January 4 meet, the ministry will urge states to attach the highest importance to prevention and control of crimes against women. The meet will be chaired by home minister Sushilkumar Shinde. “There are not enough mahila police stations despite repeated reminders to states. There is a need for gender sensitisation of police, conducting timebound probe in cases of rape and sexual assault which should be completed within 60 days from the date of commencement without compromising on the quality,” a MHA official said. Source: Deccan Chronicle