Friday, December 9 2005 14:58 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Nagpur: Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister R R Patil, who holds the Home portfolio, today (Dec 9, 2005) said the State Government would recommend capital punishment for policemen involved in rape cases.

Replying to queries in the Legislative Assembly, Patil said during Question Hour, necessary recommendations would be made to the Centre to amend the existing laws dealing with rape cases as part of efforts to curb the crime against women.

He said in rape cases, the State Government would set up a special court, appoint public prosecutor, file chargesheet within 30 days and conduct in-camera trial of the rape victims.

Replying to queries by Gopinath Munde (BJP) and others, Patil said two police officers have been placed under suspension for having illicit relationship and torturing their wives. They include police inspector (PI) Raju Chafekar and Assistant Police Inspector (API) Sahu Salve. Chafekar was also transferred from Jalgaon to Gondia.

Replying to queries from Munde (BJP) and others on a rape committed by a policeman near Sahar International Airport, Patil said men in uniform committing such heinous offences would not be spared.

Patil informed the Lower House that his department has taken strong action against guilty officials of misconduct especially with women. Thirty-one persons have been dismissed, 108 suspended and departmental inquiry has been initiated against 140 policemen.