Jaya favors death for Rapist

Chennai, Jan 1 (ANI): As the nation continues to mourn the death of the 23-year-old gang-rape victim, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa has demanded harsher punishment, including 'death penalty and chemical castration' for those accused.

She said that her government would recommend changes in rule to the central government for chemical castration of rapists and giving death penalty to those who commit rape.

Jayalalithaa has also announced a series of steps to check and tackle cases of sexual crimes against women in the state and ensuring their safety.

In a 13-point action plan, Jayalalithaa said steps will be taken to set up Fast Track Mahila Courts in each district in the state to expedite hearing of cases of sexual assault.

"Daily hearing shall be conducted in all such sexual abuse cases to finish trial fast... the government counsel in such cases will all be women," she added.

The move comes in the wake of a wave of protests across the country - with Delhi serving as the epicentre after a 23 year-old physiotherapy student was gang-raped and brutally assaulted allegedly by six men in a moving bus in south Delhi on December 16 night.

Meanwhile, Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde said he has written letters to all political parties asking them to send their suggestions on the issue of laws relating to crimes against women to the Justice Verma Committee so that it is easier to take decisions.

"I have written to all the political parties to give their suggestions to the Justice Verma Committee to facilitate the decision making," Shinde told media in Delhi. (ANI)