New Delhi Women’s Commission President Holds Dharna Protest at Hospital Over Rape Case
New Delhi – Swati Maliwal, the president of the Women’s Commission, caused a stir at a hospital in Delhi as she held a dharna protest demanding permission to meet a young student who was allegedly raped by a government official. Maliwal spent the night sleeping on the hospital floor in her quest for justice.
The case involves Premothai Kaka, the deputy director of women and child welfare in Delhi, who stands accused of raping the 16-year-old daughter of a deceased friend at her home. The victim subsequently became pregnant and Kaka’s wife, Seemarani, allegedly dissolved the pregnancy by administering a pill.
Following a complaint, the police arrested both Kaka and his wife and they are now in jail awaiting further investigation. The injured student is currently undergoing treatment in the hospital, prompting Maliwal to make efforts to see her. However, the Delhi Police denied her access, leading to her dharna protest at the hospital two days ago.
Despite the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights being granted permission to meet the victim’s mother, Maliwal’s request for permission was repeatedly denied. Frustrated by the lack of cooperation, Maliwal accused the police of hiding something and behaving like “thugs.”
In her determination to champion the rights of the victim, Maliwal did not leave the hospital until yesterday afternoon. She slept on the hospital floor throughout the night, spreading a sheet to make a makeshift bed. Despite her dedicated efforts, she was unable to meet the student before her departure.
Maliwal’s dharna protest at the hospital caused significant commotion within the campus. Her actions have brought attention to the case and raised important questions about access to justice for victims, particularly when the accused is a government official. The incident serves as a grim reminder of the prevalence of rape incidents and the challenges faced by victims seeking justice in India’s capital.