"In Kerala, system is vibrant, transparent and we take timely action": Kerala govt Special Representative KV Thomas

Kochi (Kerala) [India], January 12 (ANI): Kerala Government Special Representative KV Thomas emphasised that the system in the state is very vibrant and transparent, ensuring that timely action would be taken in the sexual abuse case of a teenage girl in Kerala.
"In Kerala, our system is very vibrant, and transparent, and we take timely action. Whatever cases are brought before the judiciary, the judicial system acts independently and quickly... Our government and especially the police are independent and take immediate action. More than that, we have got the child welfare councils and these councils, from the lower level to the primary school level, to the college level at other levels, are very active. They immediately get in touch with the victims and independently they get their opinions, and their complaints, and then follow the action of the court, the law..." Thomas said speaking to ANI.
Meanwhile, former Chief of the National Commission of Women (NCW) and Rajya Sabha MP Rekha Sharma expressed her shock over the incident, calling it a serious concern.

"This is really serious and shocking that girl who is now 16, maybe she was 13 when people started raping her. It is a serious concern. I think Kerala police should take this very seriously. I've heard that they've arrested a few people. But they must arrest everybody who was involved in it..." Sharma said speaking to ANI.
The Rajya Sabha MP also questioned whether the perpetrators involved in the crime were part of the family or were influential people.
"Were they from the family or outside the family or were some influential people who were doing this? Let the details come out. I also would request DGP Kerala to take things seriously, arrest everyone immediately and give this girl counselling..." she further questioned.
Meanwhile, Congress leader Udit Raj expressed shock over the sexual abuse case in Kerala, particularly given the state's reputation for education and progress.

Speaking to ANI, Raj said "North India is far ahead of Kerala in the matter of cases of crime. Kerala is a very educated state. In comparison to other states in North India, there are very few cases of harassment and molestation of women. This is a shocking thing that a girl was raped in Kerala."
The Congress leader further demanded an investigation and punishment for the people who committed the crime.
"I demand an investigation and punishment should be given to those people who are doing this..." Raj added.
On January 11, the National Commission for Women expressed grave concern over the reports of sexual abuse involving a teenage girl by 64 individuals over four years in Kerala's Pathanamthitta district and issued directions for a fair and timely investigation into the matter. (ANI)