Panel issues notice on Nirbhaya rape convict’s photo in EC advt

Tribune News Service
New Delhi, July 22

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Delhi Commission for Women chief Swati Maliwal issued a notice to the Election Commission of India on a picture circulating on social media wherein the photograph of a convict in the Nirbhaya case was displayed on official hoardings of the Punjab State Election Commission.

Maliwal said it was a shame to glorify a rape convict. In the notice she mentioned that the matter caused huge pain and hurt not only parents of the victim, but also all other victims of sexual violence.

Today she met Asha Devi, mother of Nirbhaya, and was told that a picture was being circulated on social media wherein the photograph of a convict in the Nirbhaya case was displayed on official hoardings of the Punjab State Election Commission. The convict had been described as a brand ambassador of the Election Commission.

The Delhi Commission for Women sought strict action in the matter against those responsible for this act. It asked the Election Commission to fix accountability of the officers. The commission also sought the names of the officers responsible for the act and details of the action taken against them. The Delhi Commission for Women  said the Election Commission should ensure such incidents did not occur in future.

Maliwal said, “I am deeply disturbed at this state of affairs. Instead of ensuring death penalty to rape convicts, the government agencies are glorifying such persons. Is he a model citizen that his photo is being publicised by the Punjab Election Commission? Nirbhaya’s mother met me today and her pain is indescribable. How can the system be so insensitive? Election Commission must ensure that the strong action is taken against those officers responsible for this shameless act.”