Nation

IIE DIGITAL DESK ; Gandhinagar, September 10: Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi has issued a stern warning against crimes targeting women and girls, making it clear that those who look at women with malicious intent or commit offences against them will not be treated with any leniency. Speaking on Thursday, Sanghavi said the Gujarat government was determined to ensure swift justice for victims and their families and would take the strongest possible action against offenders.

Sanghavi said the state would not show mercy or softness towards people who harbour criminal intentions against women and girls. He emphasised that protecting women and ensuring justice for victims remained a major priority for the government led by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel.

Highlighting the steps taken by the Gujarat government to deal with cases registered under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, Sanghavi said the state had established fast-track courts and strengthened its legal framework to ensure that such cases were dealt with swiftly. According to him, the measures have helped victims and their families obtain justice within a significantly shorter period.

The Deputy Chief Minister claimed that in some cases, judgments have been delivered within only a few days of the filing of a chargesheet, rather than victims having to wait for months or years. He attributed the accelerated judicial process to what he described as scientific and effective investigation by the Gujarat Police, combined with the firm and commendable role played by the judiciary.

Sanghavi specifically highlighted instances where judgments were delivered within 72 hours of the filing of chargesheets. He said such speedy outcomes demonstrated the effectiveness of coordinated investigation and judicial proceedings in serious cases involving crimes against children.

Praising the Gujarat Police for their investigation methods, Sanghavi said scientific evidence-based investigation had played an important role in helping cases move rapidly through the legal process. He also expressed appreciation for the judiciary for taking a firm approach while dealing with such sensitive and serious cases.

The Deputy Chief Minister said the government’s objective was not merely to secure convictions but also to ensure that punishment for perpetrators was strong enough to act as a deterrent. He stressed that offenders responsible for crimes against women and children should face the strictest punishment permissible under the law.

“Our firm resolve is to ensure that such criminals receive the harshest possible punishment and that a strong example is set before society,” Sanghavi said.

The remarks come amid growing emphasis on the need for faster investigation and judicial proceedings in cases involving sexual offences against women and children. Such cases often place enormous emotional and social pressure on victims and their families, making timely investigation and justice particularly important.

The Gujarat government has been highlighting fast-track judicial mechanisms and strengthened legal procedures as key measures to improve the response to crimes against women and children. Sanghavi’s statement further underlined the government’s position that delays in such cases should be minimised and that perpetrators must be dealt with firmly within the framework of law.

The Deputy Chief Minister also congratulated the Gujarat Police and the judiciary for their role in ensuring swift proceedings. He maintained that a combination of professional investigation, scientific evidence collection and effective judicial action could help strengthen public confidence in the justice system.

With his strong warning, Sanghavi made it clear that the Gujarat government intends to adopt a strict approach towards offences against women and children. He stressed that there would be no room for sympathy or compromise for those involved in such crimes and that the administration would continue working to ensure that victims and their families receive justice as quickly as possible.