Following attacks on migrants from Bihar and Uttar Pradesh in several parts of Gujarat, the state government sought a speedy trial in the rape case of a 14-month-old girl.
In a letter written to Gujarat High Court Chief Justice R Subhash Reddy, Deputy Chief Minister Nitin Patel requested the setting up of a special fast-track court in the case.
Addressing reporters on Saturday in Ahmedabad, Patel said, “I have written to the chief justice with request to set up a special fast-track court so that trial in rape cases at Himmatnagar (in Sabarkantha district) and Surat are held there and completed in a month or so.”
He added that he had also requested the chief justice to ensure that the accused get the harshest punishment possible, including capital punishment.
A 14-month-old girl was allegedly raped in a village near Himmatnagar town, around 100 km from Ahmedabad, on 28 September by a labourer hailing from Bihar.
Police arrested the labourer, identified as Ravindra Sahu, who worked in a local ceramic factory and charged him with the toddler’s rape.
Violence broke out in many parts of the state following the incident, with hate messages on Whatsapp calling for attacks on people belonging to Bihar and Uttar Pradesh.
Around 170 people have been arrested in connection with the attacks.
(With inputs from agencies.)