Noida police personnel are under fire from Minister for Women and Child Development Renuka Chowdhury for the 'insensitive handling' of the Aarushi Talwar murder case.
Chowdhary says the probing policemen are liable to be punished for defamation and insulting the modesty of a woman.
"We take strong objection to the language that has been used to describe the murder," she told reporters. "I have strong reservations about Aarushi's character assassination. The police need to be sensitised."
Chowdhury has asked the ministry officials to find out if the policemen violated laws meant for protection of minors by their public disclosure of an alleged liason between 14-year-old Aarushi and family servant Hemraj.
The minister also plans to take up the issue with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati. "As a woman, I don't think she will allow such a thing."
The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights has also objected to the stigmatisation of the minor.
UP police officials had said last week that Aarushi fell victim to an honour killing after her father Rajesh Talwar -- who is now the prime accused -- found her and Hemraj in an 'objectional position'.
"To speak like this and create a motive is very unfortunate," said Chowdhury. "And to speak about someone who is dead is unacceptable."
She said the policemen involved can be punished under Sections 499 (defamation) and Section 509 (insulting the modesty of a woman) of the Indian Penal Code.
More from rediff