Praise, criticism alike for killings

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, December 6

Seeking to justify the killing of four persons accused of raping and killing a Hyderabad veterinarian, BJP member in Lok Sabha Meenakshi Lekhi today said the police had not been given weapons as a showpiece.

The police had to open fire when the accused tried to escape, Lekhi said, raising the issue during zero hour.

“Bandook di gayi hain, sajane ke liye nahin di hain (Police have been given weapons not for keeping as showpieces),” she said on the day the encounter of the four accused triggered a debate ranging from praise for “speedy justice” to concern over “extra-judicial executions”.

Samajwadi Party MP Jaya Bachchan, who recently advocated lynching of rapists in Parliament, said the killing of the four men was “long due”. “Better late than never,” she said.  

BJP national vice-president Uma Bharti hailed the Telangana police: “This is the biggest incident in the 19th year of this century that guarantees women safety.” Congress spokesperson Sanjay Jha took a swipe saying, “Congratulations on becoming a banana republic!” 

BSP president Mayawati, however, praised the police for its strong action against the accused. Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal said people were “content and happy” over what has happened in Hyderabad but have lost faith in the criminal justice system. 

Horrifying for nation

What happened was horrifying for the nation. You cannot kill people because you want to. —Maneka Gandhi, BJP MP

Extra-judicial killings 

Extra-judicial killings cannot be the answer to the serious concerns over the safety of women. —Sitaram Yechury, CPM Gen Secy

Ok, if in self-defence 

If criminals were armed, police Action May have been justified. But extra-judicial killings are unacceptable. —Shashi Tharoor, Congress MP

Action inevitable

The accused tried to attack and escape, so encounter was inevitable. —BS Yediyurappa, Karnataka CM