The Delhi Congress on Tuesday criticised the BJP-led governments at the Centre and in Delhi over the alleged deterioration of law and order following the kidnapping, sexual assault and murder of an 11-year-old girl in Mehrauli.
Delhi Congress President Devender Yadav said the incident highlighted serious concerns regarding the safety of women and children in the national capital. He alleged that despite repeated claims by authorities about crime control, incidents involving crimes against women and minors continue to be reported.
Referring to the Mehrauli case, Yadav said the crime was not only a heinous criminal act but also reflected broader social challenges faced by economically weaker sections of society. He stated that the victim’s family was reportedly living on a footpath, raising concerns about the safety and welfare of homeless and vulnerable families.
The Congress leader also questioned the effectiveness of law enforcement, saying that preventing such crimes should be a priority. He alleged that the law and order situation had worsened despite regular reviews by senior government officials.
Yadav further linked the issue to homelessness and economic hardship, claiming that inadequate shelter facilities force many families to spend nights on roads, footpaths and other open spaces, making them vulnerable to crime.
He urged the Delhi government to conduct a survey of homeless residents and strengthen arrangements for night shelters and other welfare measures. He also called for a policy framework to improve the safety and protection of people living in the open.
The remarks came in the wake of the Mehrauli case, in which an 11-year-old girl was allegedly kidnapped, sexually assaulted and murdered. Police have arrested the accused, and further investigation is underway.