Several social and political activists and groups on Saturday condemned Friday’s gangrape of a 17-year- old schoolgirl in Surat.

Demanding strict punishment for the three accused, two of whom also happen to be the sons of serving police officers, human rights activist Yusuf Sheikh said no leniency be shown to the accused.

He said he had written to Surat Police Commissioner Deepak Swarup to ensure severe punishment to the accused.

Former district judge and activist Shamsuddin Peerzada said it was a heinous offence and deserved the severest of punishment. He wondered how the police officers managed to provide a car to their children when their salary income would not be enough to buy and maintain a car.

Expressing concern over the incident, the Congress on Saturday asked the state government to strengthen the security structure and ensure that such incidents do not recur.

It has demanded exemplary punishment for the accused who happen to be the sons of serving police officers.

Meanwhile, reaction to the rape could be seen in Vadodara as well. The All India Mahila Sanskrutik Sangathan (AIMSS), Vadodara branch, has asked the Governor to take strict action against the accused.

AIMSS has also requested for measures for the protection of women and students in the state.

Students Islamic Organisation expresses concern over gangrape

AHMEDABAD: THE Students Islamic Organisation of India (SIOI) has expressed concern over the incident of gangrape of a schoolgirl in Surat in a moving car, and has proposed measures to prevent such incidents in the state.

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