No let-up in crimes against women

Apropos of the editorial ‘Kolkata horror’; the brutal rape-murder of the trainee doctor is a national shame. The incident is reminiscent of the equally horrific Nirbhaya case. It is ironic that there is no let-up in crimes against the fair sex in a state whose CM happens to be a woman. The heinous offence must pave the way for reforms to check violence against women. And make sure that the perpetrator does not get off scot-free. Besides, this episode must compel our political leaders and the authorities concerned to do some soul-searching.

Sham Murari Sharma, Chandigarh

Instil fear of law in criminals

With reference to the editorial ‘Kolkata horror’; the rape and murder of a doctor at a state-run medical college and hospital in Kolkata has shaken the conscience of the entire nation. However, the outrage over the heinous offence must translate into action. Further, negligence on the part of the hospital authorities and security personnel should not be excused. In Haryana, there have been multiple cases of school authorities molesting or raping students. Such incidents are proof that criminals don’t fear the law. But exemplary punishment for the culprits can set a strong precedent.

Vijay Kumar Katial, Panchkula

Death for all rapists

Refer to ‘Kolkata horror’; the gruesome nature of the crime has sent shockwaves across the country and evoked unpleasant memories of the chilling Nirbhaya case. The fact that the incident is just one in a series of brutal rape cases reported in India in recent years shows that little has changed on the ground in a decade. How long will women in this country continue to face sexual violence? India cannot be a prosperous nation as long as our mothers, wives, sisters and daughters continue to be preyed upon. All men convicted of rape should be hanged till death. That is the only way to bring about a positive change.

SK Khosla, Chandigarh

Ensure safety of health workers

The rape and murder of a trainee doctor in Kolkata have understandably sparked a nationwide outrage. It is common knowledge that government hospitals usually lack proper facilities for patients. But it is concerning that state-run hospitals don’t even have adequate security arrangements. Even CCTV cameras installed at government medical facilities are sometimes found to be non-functional. If the hospital authorities cannot even ensure the safety of their own staff members, how can they be entrusted with the wellbeing of the patients?

Jakir Hussain, Kanpur

India far behind in Olympics

It is unfortunate that India finished 71st in the medal tally at the recently concluded Paris Olympics. While the US clinched 126 medals at the Games and China 91, India could only manage to bag one silver and five bronze. Clearly, we have some catching up to do. An analytical look at our sports policy reveals that decisions pertaining to the allocation of funds and the development of infrastructure are heavily influenced by politics. An overhaul of the system is in order. Political or bureaucratic interference in sports is a big no-no. Further, we must take a leaf out of the book of countries like China, which has been performing well at the Olympics, to get better results.

Prem Singh Dahiya, Rohtak

Ban construction near rivers

Refer to the news report ‘Houses teeter on the edge after flash flood, admn seeks report’; by letting people build their houses along the banks of rivers, the authorities concerned have put their lives in peril. The local administration must prohibit any construction near a natural water body. Members of the public must also draw lessons from past tragedies that saw whole houses being swept away in the raging water and be mindful of the risks associated with living on the banks of a river, especially when it is in spate.

Roop Singh Negi, Solan

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