Govt says, we will take #strict action against those who allowed #December16 gang-rape convict# interview, #DelhiPolice register case

New Delhi: There is outrage and anger after excerpts of an interview of a December 16 gang-rape convict came into public domain. The interview was taken for a BBC documentary and was to be telecast later this week. However, the government has advised media not to telecast the same and the Delhi Police have also secured a restraining order from a court against telecast of the interview.

The government has taken a serious view of the matter and sought an explanation from Tihar Jail authorities who allowed the interview. The Delhi Police registered a case under Section 509 (outraging the modesty of women) and Section 504 (intentional insult to provoke breach of trust) of the Indian Penal code.

• I expressed my anger that such criminals were allowed to give an interview. Such criminals being given even five minutes under the sun is wrong, says Congress leader Ambika Soni
• Rajya Sabha adjourns briefly following uproar with Opposition demand for action against Tihar Jail authorities for allowing interview of December 16 gang-rape convict
• We don’t need your crocodile tears – Jaya Bachchan to Treasury Benches
• Also, we will inform the House whatever action the government takes – Naqvi
• Home Minister has taken cognizance of the issue, rest assured we will take strict action against those who were at fault – Naqvi
• MoS MA Naqvi says the government is trying to find out how this interview happened
• I want the government to take action and report to this House – Kurien
• The convict is now justifying his crime. This is unbelievable – Kurien
• The question is not about BBC, the interview happened in this country – Kurien
• Notice reserved but I agree, interview should not have happened – Kurien
• The matter is sensitive, says Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman PJ Kurien
• Parliament convenes
• Senior JD(U) leader KC Tyagi has given a notice to debate the Nirbhaya documentary issue in the Rajya Sabha

The interview of one of the convicts of Nirbhaya’s gang rape and murder for a documentary by a British filmmaker snowballed into a huge controversy on Tuesday.

Delhi Police chief BS Bassi said, “We urge the Indian media not to show it. Police moving chief metropolitan magistrate’s court today to seek restrain from airing of the show.”

The parents of the December 16, 2012 gang-rape victim reacted angrily to the remarks made by Mukesh Singh in the interview where he seeks to blame their daughter for the horrific incident, calling it shameful and demanded he be hanged. The filmmaker Leslee Udwin on her part said the film is her attempt to examine the attitude of men towards women and that there was nothing sensational in it.

As a controversy arose over permission given to interview Mukesh in Tihar Jail, she said, “I wrote a letter to DG of Tihar. The DG of Tihar had to consult with MHA. The letter basically stated that it was a campaigning film. I had applied permission in May 2013 and I got the answer ‘yes’ in two weeks. Official permission of MHA also came. Permission from the prison was also signed.

Bureau Report