Star shuttler Saina Nehwal says she's scared of walking alone in Delhi

Star Indian shuttler Saina Nehwal, who is scheduled to play the India Open Super Series in the national capital later this week, said on Monday that she was scared of walking alone in Delhi.

Ahead of her participation in the championship, the London Olympic bronze medallist issued a statement as Delhi hogged limelight once again over yet another rape in the city, this time that of a five-year-old.

"After what I have heard, it is really very scaring. I will think twice (about walking alone in Delhi). This can happen to me as well. It is very unfortunate. Delhi is a beautiful city but such incidents have truly tarnished its image,” the world No 2 shuttler said in her statement.

"Last time, I came to Delhi there was rape incidents and again there is rape. I am very sad and upset with what is happening in Delhi. Something must be done immediately to stop this,” she said.

The Olympian has been upbeat about her prospects in the India Open. As many as 220 players from 18 countries would be participating in the tier-two tournament, to be held at Siri Fort Complex from April 23 to 28.

Delhi Rapist Case:where the victim dies or is left in a vegetative state

The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Home has pressed for death sentence for rapists in cases where the victim dies or is left in a vegetative state. The committee, set up to examine the Criminal Law Amendment Bill of 2012, has also proposed to replace the word 'rape' with 'sexual assault' to broaden the definition of crimes against women.

This is in line with the recommendations made by the government. The committee has also decided against lowering the age of juveniles.

The bill introduced in Lok Sabha last December will be withdrawn to make way for a fresh bill in the ongoing Budget session of Parliament. The new anti-rape bill, if passed, will replace the Criminal Law ordinance put into effect earlier this month. This comes two months after the brutal gangrape and murder of a 23-year-old paramedical student.

The committee, set up to examine the Criminal Law amendment bill of 2012, has also proposed to replace the word 'rape' with 'sexual assault'.
Parliamentary panel for death for rapists if victim dies or is left in a vegetative state
AP Photo

Despite suggestions by several members, the committee decided against recommending a relook at the age of juveniles as the Home Ministry said the Women and Child Development Ministry was examining the matter. Some members also opposed a recommendation on the issue saying without consulting experts, the panel should not rush to conclusions.

Going beyond its mandate to recommend changes in the bill, the panel has also suggested improving courts' infrastructure and said adequate funds should be earmarked for setting up fast track courts. It said in case crime is committed by a subordinate in the knowledge of the higher officer and he does not take immediate action, then he should be held responsible and his omission should be recorded in his confidential report.

Notwithstanding the ordinance, the committee decided to study the bill and give its recommendations on a fast track basis so that these can be incorporated in the fresh bill. Besides the 2012 bill, the panel had examined the Justice JS Verma Committee recommendations and the ordinance before making recommendations

Delhi:25-year-old woman was shot dead in south Delhi:Police need to be more alert, says Sheila Dikshit

A 25-year-old woman was shot dead in south Delhi's Sarai Kale Khan area on Sunday night in front of her husband. Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit said, 'Government is doing what it should and wherever there is an issue, it is being looked into. Police will have to be more alert. It will take time to change the traffic culture in Delhi'.