Rise above party politics to stop rapes: Mayawati

MayawatiNew Delhi, April 22 : Bahujan Samaj Party chief Mayawati Monday said people should rise above party politics and act to stop rape and violence against women.

"Cases of rape and violence against women are on the rise all over the country. There is a need to rise above party politics and act to stop it," Mayawati said, while participating in a discussion in the Rajya Sabha on security for women.

"We passed a tough law in the first half of the budget session, but law needs to be further amended and made tougher. A time frame should be fixed for the trial of such cases, and the criminals involved in such crimes should get the death sentence," she said.

"There is also need for reform in the police forces," Mayawati added.

She urged Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde to call an all-party meeting and decide what further amendments were needed in the anti-rape laws. (IANS)