Ministry of Home Affairs Issues Fresh Advisory on Crimes Against Women in Hathras Case

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has issued a fresh advisory to states in the wake of the alleged gangrape-murder of a 19-year-old girl in Hathras district of Uttar Pradesh. The advisory emphasizes the need for strict action in cases of crimes against women and adherence to guidelines for dealing with such cases.

The MHA has highlighted key points in its three-page advisory, including the mandatory registration of FIRs in cases of sexual assault, completion of probes in two months, and action against officers who fail to follow these requirements. The advisory also calls for monitoring cases on the Investigation Tracking System for Sexual Offences (ITSSO) to ensure timely follow-up actions on the charge sheet of the guilty.

States and Union Territories have been urged to use the National Database on Sexual Offenders to identify and track repeat offenders. The Directorate of Forensic Science Services (DFSS) has issued guidelines for the collection, preservation, and transportation of forensic evidence in sexual assault cases, and the Bureau of Police Research and Development (BPR&D) has provided Sexual Assault Evidence Collection (SAEC) Kits to every State/UT.

The MHA’s advisory comes at a time when there is growing outrage over the Hathras case and calls for justice for the victim. The government’s focus on ensuring strict compliance with laws and guidelines for dealing with crimes against women is a step towards improving the delivery of criminal justice and enhancing women’s safety in the country.