People's Democracy

AIDWA Condemns Haryana Murders

The following is the statement issued by the All India Democratic Association of Women on April 19, 2011

AIDWA condemns the barbaric murder of two widows in Bhiwani district of Haryana, by 23 year old Naresh Kumar, a convicted rapist who was out on parole. The women who lived adjacent to each other in Ranila village,  were brutally beaten to death by the murderer in front of a large mob of villagers, none of whom intervened to save them. The crime was allegedly committed because the man suspected the two widows- one of whom was his own aunt- of having promiscuous relations with each other.

The incident is shocking proof of the extreme vulnerability of women in Haryana to crimes committed in the name of honour. The reaction of the Hooda government to the crime has been objectionably indifferent. The CM has reportedly called this a stray incident, and defended the track record of his government. The unfortunate truth is that the perpetrators of violent crimes against women are able to escape from the consequences due to such an irresponsible approach.

Hence AIDWA demands stringent criminal action against Naresh Kumar to be taken immediately. A full fledged enquiry should be launched, and appropriate action must be taken against those who watched while the crime was being committed.  

AIDWA reiterates the need for a comprehensive law at the national level which can address crimes that are being committed in the name of honour.