Latest news with #NationalCommissionforWomen
Hindustan Times
7 days ago
- Health
- Hindustan Times
NCW seeks report from DGP on Dombivli girl's abduction, rape, prostitution
MUMBAI: The National Commission for Women (NCW) has taken suo-motu (on its own) cognisance of the alleged abduction, repeated rape and prostitution of a 15-year-old girl from Dombivli. NCW chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar has directed Maharashtra's director general of police (DGP) to conduct a thorough investigation into the case and submit a report on the action taken within three days. In a post on X on Tuesday, the NCW said it had directed the DGP to ensure a swift and fair investigation. 'Immediate arrest of the main accused and strict action under the relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, POCSO (Protection of Children from Sexual Offences) Act, and other applicable laws is paramount. Victim support and rehabilitation must be ensured,' the post read. The 15-year-old girl was allegedly held captive in a house in a rural area near Dombivli for two months, repeatedly raped, forced to undergo an abortion and also forced into prostitution by a man known to her family, the police said. Four people, including a woman, have been arrested in the case, although the main accused is still at large, the police added. The girl's ordeal came to light after some workers learnt about it and alerted the police. The police then raided the house where the girl was confined and rescued her. According to the police, the girl had walked out of her house after a fight with her mother over her Class 10 exams. The main accused, who knew the girl and her family, then cajoled her into coming with him. He then confined her in a house for two months and sexually assaulted her, following which she became pregnant. The man then took her to another individual for an abortion, after which the girl was kept at a couple's house, where she was forced into prostitution, the police said. A case was registered under sections 137(2) (kidnapping), 65(1) (rape in certain cases), 88 (causing miscarriage), 143 (trafficking of person), 144 (exploitation of trafficked person) of the BNS and relevant sections of the Pocso Act. Four people, including the couple in whose house the girl was held captive, were arrested.
Time of India
03-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Rupali Ganguly slams West Bengal police over Sharmistha Panoli's arrest, questions her treatment in custody; here's what we know
Actor Rupali Ganguly, known for speaking up on social issues, expressed concern over the treatment of influencer and law student Sharmistha Panoli, who was arrested by Kolkata Police. Ganguly responded to a lawyer's post detailing Sharmistha's health issues and custodial conditions. Questions over custody conditions Sharmistha's lawyer, Md Samimuddin, claimed that his client suffers from kidney stones and alleged that hygiene standards in custody were not being maintained. He also stated that Sharmistha was not being allowed to access newspapers or magazines. A court petition has reportedly been filed requesting basic rights for her. Rupali's criticism of police Responding to the lawyer's post, Ganguly questioned the role of the West Bengal Police, saying, 'Has West Bengal Police, so much under the pressure of Mamata Banerjee, that they have forgotten even basic humanity?' She further asked, 'Why is this girl being treated as if she is a murderer or a gangster?' She tagged the National Commission for Women (NCW) and the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), requesting them to step in. Background of the arrest Sharmistha Panoli was arrested by Kolkata Police from Gurugram on May 30. The arrest followed a video where she allegedly made communal remarks while replying to a post about Operation Sindoor. Following criticism, she deleted the post and issued an apology. Has West Bengal Police, So much under the pressure of Mamata Banerjee, that they have forgotten even basic humanity? why is this girl being treated as if she is a murderer or a Gangster? I Request @NCWIndia & @India_NHRC to intervene in this matter#sharmistha Apology issued In a post on X, Sharmistha wrote, 'I do hereby tender my UNCONDITIONAL APOLOGY. Whatever was put are my personal feelings and I never intentionally wanted to hurt anybody... Henceforth, I will be cautious in my public post. Again, please accept my apologies.' Police response to allegations Following criticism of the arrest being termed 'unlawful', Kolkata Police reportedly stated that due legal procedures were followed during the arrest. Sharmistha remains in judicial custody until June 13.
Time of India
27-05-2025
- Time of India
The demon drink
domestic violence alcohol abuse . It (intoxication) gives a kind of twisted permission to act out unchecked anger. And unfortunately, the victims are usually those closest — wives, children, parents —Dr Lakshmi Shashikumar, Maayra Emotional Wellness Centre Drunk driver rams barricade, injures cops Yet another case of violent crime fuelled by the need for alcohol has emerged in the city. Last week, a beautician was attacked at her home in NMH Layout by her husband with toilet cleaning acid after she asked him to lower the volume of music playing on his mobile confirmed details of the crime on Saturday. They revealed that the accused had demanded money for alcohol from his wife a day prior to the crime. The woman sustained facial injuries from the attack and is now undergoing closed doors of ordinary homes, a silent epidemic is unraveling one that rarely makes headlines. A troubling surge inincidents linked tois gripping households across the to police data, just within four months, a total of 340 cases have been registered in the state under Section 498A of the Indian Penal Code and Section 85 of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS), specifically relating to cruelty by husbands, excluding dowry-related demands. These cases involve various forms of mental and physical harassment inflicted by husbands on their wives, highlighting the continued prevalence of domestic abuse in households beyond dowry issues within the marital to the National Commission for Women data, nearly six out of ten domestic violence complaints in Bengaluru last year were tied to alcohol consumption. And the numbers are only to police data, in the past two years, in Bengaluru itself there were 600 and more cases reported related to cruelty by husband. Experts point out that alcohol doesn't cause violence, but it often acts as a catalyst, loosening inhibitions and amplifying aggression in already volatile individuals.'It gives a kind of twisted permission to act out unchecked anger,' says Shashikumar, psychologist, Maayra Emotional Wellness Centre, 'And unfortunately, the victims are usually those closest — wives, children, parents.' further explained that alcohol addiction often begins subtly, triggered by stress, family conflict, peer pressure, or learned behaviour, and can develop within just a few months of regular use. 'While the addict bears the direct impact, the consequences ripple through the entire family. Homes once seen as safe spaces may turn into places of fear, instability, and emotional turmoil. Addicts may exhibit mood swings, anxiety, depression, or even strain caused by addiction—such as drained savings and mounting debt, further fuels conflict within the household. Ultimately, alcoholism doesn't just harm the individual; it tears apart families and undermines the foundation of domestic life,' she due to intoxication is not confined to homes. Several instances of violence have been reported in public spaces too. A few months ago, in an incident near Bilishivale Circle, a woman was stabbed by an intoxicated man after she refused to give him money for alcohol. The accused, Anand, attacked her with a yet another such case, two painters were arrested for allegedly killing their friend after a drunken brawl in Amruthahalli on May 8. The altercation turned violent when the trio, after drinking, got into a fight.
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Business Standard
23-05-2025
- Politics
- Business Standard
NCW launches Yashoda AI: First-of-its-kind AI literacy drive for women
To advance women's AI literacy and digital awareness across India, the launch of Yashoda AIYour AI SAKHI for Shaping Horizons with Digital Awareness took place at Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Rohilkhand University, Bareilly, on May 22, 2025. This initiative is a key step toward empowering women to contribute meaningfully to a Viksit Bharat driven by technology and inclusion. Led by the National Commission for Women (NCW), the Yashoda AI Abhiyan stands as India's pioneering nationwide effort to empower women especially from rural and semi-urban communities with essential skills in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and digital safety. More than just a training initiative, this campaign is designed to spark a transformation: it equips women with the knowledge and tools needed to navigate the digital world with confidence, fostering digital literacy, safety, and self-reliance. The program goes beyond traditional learning by hosting in-depth discussions on critical issues such as AI-driven crimes, digital privacy, and practical safety strategies. Actively engaging students, educators, and women from the police force, Yashoda AI Abhiyan sets a new standard for community-driven digital education, ensuring that women are not only participants but leaders in shaping India's tech-savvy future. Building on India's bold step toward AI leadership at the Global Summit on AI Governance in Paris, Yashoda AI reflects the nation's commitment to inclusive digital empowerment. It marks a decisive move towards Viksit Bharat, ensuring that women across India are not left behind in the AI-driven future. Aligned with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of women-led development and a Viksit Bharat, the Yashoda AI Abhiyan is a decisive step towards building an inclusive, technologically empowered India. At the Global Summit on AI Governance in Paris, Prime Minister Modi emphasized India's commitment to inclusive, responsible AI that builds trust and serves the most vulnerable. Yashoda AI embodies this vision by empowering women to lead in the digital age. In Viksit Bharat, technology must be a tool for inclusion, not exclusion. Speaking at the launch event, NCW Chairperson Smt. Vijaya Rahatkar said, "True change begins when a woman masters the tools of the future. Yashoda AI Abhiyan is not just about learning technology, it is about igniting confidence, enabling informed choices, and empowering every woman to shape a secure and inclusive digital tomorrow." She reiterated NCW's strong commitment to protecting women's rights in digital spaces, adding that this campaign is a natural extension of NCW's work in the areas of cyber awareness, gender justice, and women-led safety innovations. The Commission has been a forerunner in running multiple digital safety campaigns, helplines, and policy dialogues addressing online abuse and tech-based discrimination. Yashoda AI is a sole initiative of the National Commission for Women (NCW) in collaboration with Future Shift Labs (FSL). Nitin Narang, Founder of FSL, highlighted the campaign's broader vision, saying, "This is not just about AI literacy, it is about inclusion, dignity, and digital empowerment for India's womenkey pillars for building a Viksit Bharat." The launch event also featured remarks from the Vice Chancellor of Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Rohilkhand University, Sagar Vishnoi, Co-founder and Director of FSL, and Pranav Dwivedi, Convener Yashoda AI, who collectively emphasized the importance of digital empowerment and women's leadership in India's AI journey. Their messages were powerfully echoed by the presence of dignitaries from the National Commission for Women Ramawtar Singh, Shivani Dey, and Santosh Kulkarni whose support underscored the need for equity and representation of women in every step of India's technological journey. About NCW: NCW is the apex statutory body in India working towards the protection and promotion of women's rights. It carries out studies, provides recommendations to the government regarding policies, and implements campaigns across the nation related to gender equality, security and law education. About Future Shift Labs (FSL): FSL is a global think tank and innovation lab focused on the ethical deployment of emerging technologies. Known for its work at the intersection of technology, governance, and human rights, FSL builds frameworks and tools for responsible AI, digital inclusion, and future readiness.
The Hindu
23-05-2025
- The Hindu
NCW introduces Yashoda AI, aims to expand women's access to AI and Cybersecurity training
The launch of 'Yashoda AI: Your AI SAKHI' to advance women's AI literacy and digital awareness was held at the Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Rohilkhand University, Bareilly, on May 22, 2025. This initiative aims to empower women to contribute meaningfully to a Viksit Bharat driven by technology and inclusion. Led by the National Commission for Women (NCW), the Yashoda AI Abhiyan wants to stand as India's effort to empower women, especially from rural and semi-urban communities, with essential skills in Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, and Digital Safety. The program aims to go beyond traditional learning by hosting in-depth discussions on critical issues such as AI-driven crimes, digital privacy, and practical safety strategies. Actively engaging students, educators, and women from the police force, Yashoda AI Abhiyan wants to experiment in community-driven digital education, ensuring that women are not only participants but leaders in shaping India's tech-savvy future. Yashoda AI is the initiative of the National Commission for Women (NCW) in collaboration with Future Shift Labs (FSL). Speaking at the launch event, NCW Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar reiterated NCW's commitment to protecting women's rights in digital spaces, adding that this campaign is a natural extension of NCW's work in the areas of cyber awareness, gender justice, and women-led safety innovations.
