Mahua Maji, the JMM candidate from Ranchi Assembly constituency, on Friday demanded that the state government take strong action against those involved in crimes against women.

Her demand came against the backdrop of suspicion of rape and murder in the death of two girls, aged 12 and 10, in Bachra under Piparwar police station in Chatra district, around 58km from the state capital, on Thursday.

Earlier, on November 26, a law student was gang-raped on the outskirts of Ranchi; 12 youths were arrested in that case.

“Crimes against women are regularly taking place in the city and police are doing nothing. I demand proper steps to ensure the safety of women and strong action against those involved in crimes against women,” Maji said on Friday during a news meet at her residence cum office at Tharpakhana.

“Apart from the police, society should also take up the issue at their level and develop a conducive atmosphere for women cutting across caste, creed, religion and political affiliation. A society where women are not respected cannot prosper,” said Maji, who is also a writer.

She also thanked those supported her in the election.

“I am thankful to them and assure all cooperation to the residents of my constituency,” Maji, a former of chairperson of the state women’s commission, said. She parried questions on the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill and the National Register of Citizens.

“Any statement on the matter will be given after proper discussion in the party,” she said.