“Swati Maliwal’s plea for medical and financial assistance for the young survivor”
Swati Maliwal, the Chairperson of the Delhi Commission for Women (DCW), has penned a heartfelt appeal to Madhya Pradesh’s Chief Minister, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, concerning a distressing incident that unfolded in Ujjain. A 12-year-old girl fell victim to a horrifying rape by a 24-year-old auto driver, prompting Maliwal to request immediate medical, psychological, and rehabilitation support for the young survivor. Additionally, she implored the state government to provide substantial financial assistance, amounting to a minimum of Rs 50 lakh, to aid the victim’s family in the recovery and rehabilitation process.
Maliwal’s letter shed light on the grim ordeal that the young girl endured as she traversed a harrowing 8-kilometer journey, seeking help from house to house, following the traumatic incident. Shockingly, her pleas went unanswered, leaving her in a half-naked and bleeding state. The survivor was eventually hospitalized, but her recovery took several days. Subsequently, a formal FIR was lodged, leading to the arrest of the accused by the Madhya Pradesh Police.
While media reports indicated the state government’s announcement of financial aid for the victim, the family allegedly still awaits any substantial assistance. A local leader provided a mere Rs 1500, a sum grossly insufficient for the girl’s rehabilitation.
Maliwal underscored the dire living conditions of the survivor, confirming that she resided in a thatched hut, and her daily quest for water required a 300-meter journey to one of two available hand pumps in the village. Maliwal acknowledged that no amount of money could ever fully compensate for the trauma and suffering inflicted on the child; however, it could play a pivotal role in her recovery and rehabilitation. She fervently appealed to the Chief Minister for immediate intervention, urging the provision of a minimum of Rs 50 lakh in financial aid for the victim’s family.
Swati Maliwal expressed her dismay at the distressing turn of events, stating, “The report is shocking. The girl was brutally raped and forced to walk 8 kilometers to seek help. Now the government has not given any help to the victim. She should be given financial assistance of Rs 50 lakh. Besides, the state government should ensure the rehabilitation of the victim.”
