New Delhi, May 19 (IANS) The National Commission for Women (NCW) on Tuesday took suo motu cognisance of media reports related to the alleged prolonged gang rape, blackmail, sexual exploitation and subsequent suicides of two sisters in Rajasthan’s Jodhpur district.

The case, which has triggered widespread outrage and protests in the region, pertains to two sisters from rural Jodhpur who allegedly died by suicide within a span of two months after facing years of sexual exploitation, threats and alleged inaction by the police despite repeated pleas for help.

NCW Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar has written to the Rajasthan Chief Secretary and the Director General of Police, directing them to ensure “immediate, impartial, and time-bound action in the matter”.

“The Commission has asked for a detailed Action Taken Report (ATR) to be submitted within seven days,” the NCW said in a statement.

The Commission has sought information regarding the legal provisions invoked in the FIR, whether all accused persons have been arrested, the current status of the investigation, and details related to digital and forensic evidence collected so far in the case.

It has also sought clarification regarding the allegations of police inaction despite earlier complaints made by the victims’ family and asked whether accountability has been fixed for officials concerned.

“Additionally, information has been sought on the legal assistance, psychological counselling, security, and rehabilitation support being provided to the victim’s family, as well as steps being taken to ensure prompt action in future cases of sexual offences and blackmail against women,” the statement read.

Condemning the incident strongly, the Commission stated that crimes of such nature against women, along with negligence at any stage of investigation or response, would not be tolerated.

“The National Commission for Women, while strongly condemning this incident, has stated that such heinous crimes against women and negligence at any level will not be tolerated under any circumstances,” the Commission added.

According to the complaint, the elder sister died by suicide in March after being subjected to years of gang rape, blackmail and extortion. Nearly two months later, her younger sister also ended her life after failing to receive justice despite approaching the police several times.

In a police complaint filed on April 11, the younger sister alleged that her elder sibling had been trapped by Mahipal, a local e-Mitra service centre operator, who had secretly recorded obscene videos of her and later used them for blackmail.

The complaint named eight individuals, including Mahipal, Shivraj, Gopal, Vijaram, Dinesh, Manoj and Pukhraj, accusing them of gang-raping the woman and threatening her repeatedly.

The younger sister alleged that Mahipal and his associates exploited the victim for nearly four years and continuously extorted money from her through blackmail.

Unable to endure the harassment and trauma any longer, the elder sister allegedly died by suicide on March 20.

She had also warned the police that she would take the extreme step herself if justice was not delivered.

Although an FIR was registered on the basis of her complaint, the family alleged that no significant action was taken in the following month, leading to growing anger among locals and social groups over the handling of the case.

–IANS

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