Polls in mind,Mayawati on damage control mission

Uttar Pradesh CM is facing flak from her opponents for a spurt in incidents of rape in the state.

Facing flak from her opponents for a spurt in incidents of rape,Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati went into damage control mode by announcing a month-long drive from July 1 to check atrocities against women.

At a high-level meeting of law and order situation in the state,where Assembly polls are due early next year,Mayawati issued strict directives for ensuring the arrest of culprits within ten days of the crime,especially rape and murder of women.

The chief minister expressed great concern over the murder of a minor girl in a police station in Nighasan in Lakhimpur district and ordered arrest of the accused,an official spokesman said.

She took the opportunity to warn police officers as well as doctors against shielding culprits in crime against women and said those found framing innocents could be dismissed from service.

The chief minister said similar action would be taken against doctors trying to protect the culprits,he said.

During the month-long drive,lists of criminal and anti-social elements would be prepared and they would be given time to mend their ways,the spokesman said,adding that in case there is no improvement,stern action would be initiated.

To ensure proper implementation of development schemes,Mayawati also asked her officers to divide the state into three zones and concentrate in the welfare projects.

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The chief minister also announced her decision to undertake surprise visits to different districts for making on the spot assessment of development and law and order situation.