Guwahati incident inhuman, disgusting, says Salman Khurshid

New Delhi, July 14 (ANI): Law Minister Salman Khurshid on Saturday condemned the public molestation of a teenaged girl in Guwahati, calling the incident "inhuman" and "disgusting."

Interacting with mediapersons here on Friday, Khurshid, in a strongly worded condemnation of the act applauded the courage shown by the girl in resisting the mob for over 30 minutes, before the police arrived to her rescue.

"I think it's appalling, I think it's disgusting and I think it's a shame for all of us and we have to not apportion blame, but we now have to ensure that collectively as people, as a nation we ensure that this comes to an end. It's completely inhuman, and my heart goes out to that young girl who so courageously and bravely fought off those terrible, inhuman molesters," Khurshid said.

When questioned on the need to introduce some changes in the anti-molestation laws of the country, Khurshid said that the need of the hour was to enforce the existing laws swiftly and effectively.

"We must not have off the cuff decisions about the law. Enforcement is very important. We must ensure that our systems respond rapidly, quickly and effectively, and if there is some problem there, all of us together have to address the issue," he added.

The video of the girl being beaten, her clothes being torn off and the mob pouncing on her struggling body went viral on the Internet, urging the local authorities to spring into action.

According to police officials, four out of 12 identified accused have been arrested.

Commenting on the latest diktat curtailing freedom of women issued by Baghpat village council in Uttar Pradesh, Khurshid terming such councils "non-democratic."

Khurshid added that the Centre should join hands with the citizens and lead a mass movement against such sections of society.

"We need to face them through a public movement and remove it from its roots. The government and people should come together and work against such sections of the society," he said. (ANI)