Arvind Kejriwal raises statehood for Delhi issue after meeting 13-year-old rape victim's family

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal reiterated the need for control of law and order to be under the Delhi government after meeting the family of a 13-year-old rape victim who is receiving treatment at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) on Thursday. A suspect has reportedly been arrested for raping the teenage victim, who has Down Syndrome.

The 13-year-old, who is battling for her life, had reportedly sustained multiple injuries over her body. She was found on railway tracks in Southeast Delhi this week. She sustained injuries on her abdomen, neck and private parts, Hindustan Times reported.

"Such crimes are cropping up repeatedly. It once again raises the issue that law and order should be under control of the elected government as it makes it easier for the enforcement agencies to work in close co-ordination with people," Kejriwal was quoted as saying by Hindustan Times.

Kejriwal's government had released a draft bill last week seeking statehood for Delhi. One of the arguments for the move was that it would help in better policing.

Control of the police is currently under the office of the lieutenant governor (L-G) of Delhi, who in turn reports to the union home ministry. Kejriwal has also accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of using Najeeb Jung, the L-G, to put hurdles in the way of the Delhi government.

Kejriwal on Thursday said he had sought a meeting with Union Minister of Home Affairs Rajnath Singh to discuss the issue of women's and children's safety. He also said a joint mechanism between the Centre and the Delhi government should be worked out. Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) chief Swati Maliwal on Wednesday had made similar remarks, HT reported.