Keenan Santos's father writes to PM, suggests steps to prevent crime against women

Keenan Santos's father Valerian Santos wrote a letter to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on the issue of women's safety, in the aftermath of the Delhi gangrape and protests thereafter. Keenan Santos and his friend Reuben Fernandes were stabbed to death by a mob for taking on a man who had harassed their female friends in Mumbai in October 2011.

Here are the recommendations made by Keenan Santos's father to deal with the rise of crimes against women and to prevent a repeat of such incidents.

Here is the letter:

To,

Shri Manmohan Singh,

The Prime Minister Of India,

PMO,

South Block, Raisina Hill,

New Delhi.

India-110011.

Date; 24th Dec 2012

Subject; STRONGER LAWS TO ENSURE THE BETTER SECURITY 0F WOMEN IN INDIA

Dear Sir,

I am Valerian Santos, a resident of Amboli in Mumbai. A year ago my son, Keenan Santos and his friend, Reuben Fernandes were brutally murdered when they stood up to goons who were sexually harassing two of their female friends.

Today I write to you in the aftermath of another such incident, where a young girl of only 23 years of age was brutally gang raped and left to die while her friend who tried to defend her was beaten up.

I support the youth of Delhi and India who, tired of this menace, have brought this issue to the forefront with the help of the nation's media.

The reason why I am writing to you sir, is because this menace is not just restricted to, Mumbai or Delhi, but affects entire India.

Based on the common sentiments and taking into consideration the practicality of the existing framework, I would like to put forward certain demands and recommendations to address the growing menace of all forms of sexual harassment in the country.

My Demands/Recommendations are as follow

Amendments to the existing laws:

- Section 354 and Section 509 of the Indian Penal Code to be cognizable, non-bailable and non-compoundable across the country.

Enactment of the new laws:

- The Central Government should issue directives to the concerned committees (NCW and SCWs) to come up with a well drafted legislation for w0men's safety within 3 months.

Judicial Reforms:

- 1 specialised Fast track court to be attached to every sessions court for redressing offenses relating to women. Time lines to be defined for redressal of cases in these specialised courts.

Police reforms:

- Structured police sensitisation is necessary with a curriculum in place. The curriculum should stipulate both the nature and the frequency of sensitisation;

- Setup sufficient number of centres at various locations where complaints of sexual harassment offenses against women can be recorded;

- The Center should issue guidelines and directions to the police machinery of all states stating the manner in which the complaints in cases of sexual harassment should be recorded;

- The Centre should ensure complaints and offenses of such nature must be handled with due sensitivity and in a manner appropriately laid down by the law, so that a strong message goes to society in general and sets a strong precedent to prevent such cases in the future.

Social reforms:

- Promote a mechanism for empowering women by imparting information about their rights and the existing laws with regards to booking sex offenders and combat this menace.

Hoping for a favorable response.

Yours Sincerely,

Valerian Santos

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