India: Feminists demand stern action against officials for sexualised torture and violence in Chhattisgarh

At a press conference on the 1st December 2011 held the Indian women’s press corps premises in New Delhi, feminist groups demanded:

Prompt action against the Superintendent of police and other officials involved in the custodial and sexual violence meted upon Soni Sori on the night of 8/9 October 2011, in Dantewada police station, in Chhattisgarh

That the state government stop challenging Soni Sori’s demand to be moved out of the state on grounds of fear for her life in Chhattisgarh

Publicly prove the safety and well-being of Lingaram Kodopi who is currently in jail in Dantewada and charged under UAPA, CSPSA and Sections 121, 124A and 120B of the Indian Penal Code â€“ for criminal conspiracy, sedition and waging war against the State.

Immediately stop the persecution of Soni Sori, Lingaram Kodopi and the rest of their family

Put an immediate end to the offensive that has been declared on tribals and activists in the region

[for background to the above see ’statement by feminists and concerned citizens issued on 28 November 2011’: http://www.sacw.net/article2417.html

[See video and pictures of direct action at the Chhatissgarh sadan in New Delhi on 1st December 2011. Feminist groups of Delhi had gathered there hoping to meet and speak with the Chief minister of Chattisgarh, about sexual assault by police against Soni Sori a tribal school teacher from Chattisgarh, but he refused to meet them. The assembly of feminists at the gates of Chattisgarh was then forcibly dislodged by the police. ]

Video below made available by Himanshu Kumar