NEW DELHI: An FIR was registered against Delhi Commission for Women chief Swati Maliwal for allegedly disclosing the name of a 14-year-old rape victim, who died on Sunday, on the complaint of a police officer whom she had issued a notice seeking quick action in the case.
Maliwal, who was severely critical of Delhi Police for allegedly not taking action against the rape accused, has been booked under section of 228 A (disclosure of identity of the victim of certain offences) of the Indian Penal Code for naming the rape victim’s name. After naming the girl in her notice to the Station House Officer of Burari, Maliwal allegedly circulated it on WhatsApp. “The FIR has been registered on a complaint by the SHO,” said police.
Maliwal, however, dismissed the charge, saying she had not released the victim’s name and alleged a vendetta on the cops’ part. “DCW issues Notice to PS Burari for role in 14 year old girl case. Two days later Delhi Police registers baseless FIR against me. Vendetta?” she said in series of tweets. “Firstly, not released name of victim. Instead ensured proper medical care in Pvt Hospital. Police arrested accused only after DCW Notice.” “Will raise more issues. Not scared of FIR. Jai Hind,” she tweeted. Defending herself, she asked why the rape victim should hide her identity. “Shouldn't rapists be hiding? Is it the shame of a victim that she was subjected to cruelty?” she tweeted further.
The DCW issued a notice to police on July 22 asking how the teeanger was kidnapped and raped just before a court was scheduled to hear the case. The girl, who was allegedly kidnapped, raped and forced to drink corrosive material, died on Sunday after battling for life for over a month. She was first sexually assaulted in December. The accused who was on bail in the first case again allegedly kidnapped and raped her in May.