Shahdara Rape Case: DCW Seeks Protection for Survivor, Report From Police

The 20-year-old rape survivor was allegedly abducted, assaulted, and paraded by her neighbours last week.

A 20-year-old woman was allegedly sexually and physically assaulted, her face was blackened, and was paraded by the residents of a locality in Delhi's Shahdara on Wednesday, 26 January.

(Photo Courtesy: Twitter/Swati Maliwal)

The Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) on Wednesday, 2 February, issued summons to the Shahdara Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) to provide protection to the 20-year-old rape survivor who was allegedly abducted, assaulted, and paraded by her neighbours last week.

The DCP is expected to appear before the Commission on Friday, 3 pm.

In the notice sent to the police, DCW Chairperson Swati Maliwal seeks protection for the survivor and her family:

"The survivor and her family have expressed concerns for their safety as the accused belong to a criminal background. The Delhi Police must come up with a mechanism of providing protection to her and ensuring a 'safe house' for her."

The summons notice sent by the DCW also asks the DCP for a report on the action taken in the matter.

The Case

On 26 January, a 20-year-old woman was allegedly abducted, gang-raped, beaten up, and paraded in Delhi's Shahdara colony.

A video of her being paraded, surrounded by women and girls, who cheered on the humiliating act, was posted on Twitter by DCW Chairperson Maliwal a day later.

Subsequently, the Delhi Police filed a First Information Report (FIR) in relation to the incident, under sections of gang rape, kidnapping, illegal confinement, physical assault, and intimidation. A 10-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) under an Additional Commissioner of Police-rank officer has also been formed for a speedy investigation of the crime.

So far, 13 people have been arrested in the case, while three minors have also been apprehended by the police in connection with the crime.