This refers to the report, “CHD stalking victim, father vow to fight for justice” (August 8). The Criminal law (Amendment) Act, 2013, put in place after the gut-wrenching Nirbhaya case, has had positive effects. But much more needs to be done to make our women safe and secure on the streets. Sensitising the police officers on invoking proper sections of criminal laws without fear or favour would be the most logical step. Importance of adequate policing and effective evidence gathering cannot be stressed. The proclivity of the high and the mighty to weaken the case by trying to distort evidences is nothing new — a fact which our police should be aware of.
By the same token, sections of the society will try best to break the victim's resolve by heaping insinuations. The girl and her father must be applauded for displaying nerves of steel to stay on the course, despite threats and pressures. Their steadfast pursuit to carry the case to a logical conclusion is showing with the police recovering some CCTV footages. Unless our police are given more powers and freed from unwanted pressures from powers that be, all amendments and additions to laws meant to safeguard women will come to nought. It is also time that some sections of the country's social and cultural milieu shed their regressive and biased approach towards women.