Lamba removed from probe panel
National Commission of Women (NCW) chairperson Mamta Sharma late on Monday evening removed Alka Lamba from the inquiry committee that was investigating into the Guwahati molestation case. She has reportedly been removed for naming the victim molested by a mob in Guwahati. An explanation has been sought from Ms Lamba by the chairperson. “I would like to apologise to the victim for the pains caused to her,” the NCW chairperson said. Women and child development (WCD) minister Krishna Tirath too sought details from the NCW over “naming of the victim.”
Expressing her dissatisfaction the way case was handled, the NCW chairperson told this newspaper that she had taken over the case and, if need be, she would go again to meet the victim. The chairperson said that revealing the victim’s name was “gross injustice”.
On the removal of Ms Lamba, the chairperson said: “We have sent her a message that she has been removed from the committee. Another committee will be set up to look into the case.” Ms Sharma then made it clear that she “did not like the way the case was handled”.
Explaining that revealing the identity is punishable under the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Amendment Act, 2006, Ms Tirath said, “It is the duty of the members to know the rules and regulations before they start dealing with any case.”
The WCD minister said that victim’s identity should not have been revealed, even is she is an adult.
Meanwhile, NCW member Wasnuk Syiem submitted her preliminary report to the NCW chairperson. According to sources in the commission, the report does not find any mention of the journalist who allegedly instigated the mob.
“The girl did not reveal anything about the journalist. Several cigarette marks were seen on her body,” sources said. The team is also expected to recommend the rehabilitation of the girl, if need be. It has also been recommended to settle the case in a special fast-track court within six months and give exemplary punishment to the accused.
It may be recalled that on July 9 the girl was molested by a mob when she was coming out of the a pub. A television footage of the incident sent shock waves across the country.
However, the role of a section of media, especially a local television channel which recorded the brutality, has also come under scanner.
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