Curbing worst crimes

The quick suspension of two police officials and closure of another in Rajon murder case for their covert help for one of the alleged killers to flee to Saudi Arabia gives a positive sign of the possibility of justice to be expeditiously meted out to the criminals. However, much will still depend on other follow-up actions and also how quickly the law enforcers complete the process for the purpose. Only future can tell whether the assurances given by three ministers to Rajon's aggrieved parents of speedy trial of the accused will materialise. Doubts are still there, as evident from dozen other cases of murder remaining in cold storage, despite tall promises having been made time and again. Worst crimes are, for reasons understable, matters of grave concern to the people. The macabre killing of Rajon shocked the entire nation, largely because of brutalities that went viral through the internet. But such unabated gruesome killings, one after another, have been taking place in the country, because of, what can be termed, unpardonable laxity shown towards bringing the killers to justice. Overt or covert interference by the vested interests had played a major role in letting the criminals go off the hook.

What is about the ghastly killings of nine in Narayanganj. It is mysterious that the mastermind could not still be repatriated to Bangladesh. India is reported to have handed over a number of such criminals to Bangladesh. A criminal in Bangladesh is also a criminal in India too.  Is there then any kind of interference in blocking his return? These are the questions that trouble the minds of people. The inordinate delays in bringing the culprits to book do, in fact, explain why many feel free to take laws into their own hands and settle personal scores. Lapses in proper trial of these murder cases are most likely to lead to repeat of such worst crimes in the days ahead. The government has to bear its brunt finally, in terms of fragility of law and order situation.

Of late, women's repression has, also assumed an alarming dimension in the country. There are cases of gang-rape galore. According to reports in the media, some 100 rape cases took place over the last six months until June this year. Sociologists say when a culprit goes unpunished, he thinks nothing serious has happened and he gets encouraged for more sexual assaults. At times, it is found that the culprits somehow maintain relations with the high-ups in the power matrix who try to protect them. Easy access to drugs as well as porno contents can also be held responsible for building up a sexually offensive mindset among youths.

Strict enforcement of law can help stem the rot to a significant extent. Deterrent punishment can alone serve as an effective wake-up call to other would-be perpetrators. Arrest of criminals, irrespective of all kinds of affiliations or connections, and their exemplary punishment through due process of law, can thus reduce the high incidence of worst crimes. The government has a strong role to play here as all its agencies are involved with recording the cases, properly investigating them and making foolproof prosecution. There must not be any laxity in dispensation of justice to restore gradually falling level of public confidence in the country's law and justice system. Terrorism and crimes cannot be curbed without a mechanism that would work effectively and ensure punishment of actual offenders within a short time and at a small cost.