Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra has criticized the government over the alleged gang rape and murder of a minor girl in Delhi’s Swaroop Nagar area, accusing authorities of failing to ensure women’s safety, freedom and equality.
According to police, the body of a minor girl was recovered from a field in the Swaroop Nagar area on September 13. During the investigation, four suspects were apprehended, including three minors. Police have registered a case under relevant sections pertaining to rape, murder and destruction of evidence.
Investigators said more than 50 CCTV camera recordings were examined as part of the probe. Police stated that they traced the suspects based on the movement of a suspected tempo vehicle captured during the investigation.
Reacting to the incident, Priyanka Gandhi raised questions about the government's accountability in a post on social media platform X. She alleged that extreme brutality had been inflicted on a 17-year-old girl before she was killed.
The Congress leader further claimed that no one was willing to take responsibility for women's safety in the country and that promises related to women's empowerment had failed to translate into reality. She said incidents of violence and atrocities against women continue to occur, while victims often have little confidence that strong action will be taken against offenders.
Priyanka Gandhi also stated that both society and the government had failed to guarantee women their rights to safety, freedom and equality.
NCW Takes Suo Motu Cognisance
The National Commission for Women (NCW) has also taken suo motu cognisance of the case involving the alleged gang rape and murder of the minor girl in outer north Delhi.
NCW Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar has written to the Delhi Police Commissioner, seeking a time-bound investigation, strict legal action against those responsible and the preservation of forensic evidence. The commission has asked Delhi Police to submit a report on the action taken in the case within seven days.
Four Suspects in Custody
Police said a 19-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the case, while three minors have been taken into custody.
During the investigation, officers reportedly recovered two knives and clothing allegedly worn by the accused at the time of the incident. Police said forensic and technical evidence is being examined to establish the sequence of events and verify the role of each suspect.
Authorities also confirmed that the victim’s body was found near a field in Swaroop Nagar. The investigation remains ongoing, with police continuing to examine all possible angles related to the case.