Compensation for four dalit rape victims

Andhra Pradesh Government has been directed by the Commission to pay Rs. 50,000/- as compensation to each of four young dalit women, including a deaf and dumb girl, who were raped in the West Godavari district of the State.

Describing the existing Government’s schemes as inadequate in providing relief to rape victims, the Commission has asked the State Government to review them and ensure rehabilitation and monetary relief to the victims, especially to those belonging to the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, even if the culprits belong to the same caste or community.

Earlier, the State Government in a report to the Commission’s notice had informed the Commission that since the victims and the culprits in all the four cases belonged to the SC/ST communities, the women were not eligible for payment of compensation under the existing schemes. They were not eligible for monetary aid even under other schemes, it was argued.

Overruling the State Government’s contentions, the Commission called for prosecution of all the culprits according to law and the rehabilitation of the victims of the crime.