Example of gruesome, criminal, rapist mindset: DCW on Instagram case

DCW issued a notice to the Delhi Police and Instagram in a case where an Instagram group of schoolboys were allegedly seen sharing photos of underage girls, objectifying them, and planning gang rapes. Both respondents have to submit their response by May 8.

New Delhi: Soon after massive outrage against an Instagram group of schoolboys erupted on the internet, the Delhi Commission for Women on Monday swung into action and issued a notice to the Delhi Police and Instagram over the issue.

"I saw a screenshot of the 'Boys Locker Room' group on Instagram. This is a clear example of a gruesome criminal and rapist mindset," Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) Chief Swati Maliwal said.

"We are issuing a notice to Instagram and Delhi Police. All the boys in this group should be arrested," she added.

In its notice to Instagram, the women's body has asked the photo-sharing platform to provide various information about the administrators and participants of this group including username/handle name, email ID, IP address, location etc.

DCW also asked the social media platform to state whether the matter has been taken up by the social media company and action taken thereof. "If yes, please provide complete details of the same. If not, please provide reasons for the same," the notice read.

The body also asked whether the matter has been forwarded to the police.

A notice was also sent to the Delhi Police asking it to submit a detailed action taken report in the matter and also a copy of the FIR.

Both respondents have to submit their response by May 8.

Leaked screenshots of the private Instagram chat group have stirred up a storm over rape culture in India after numerous boys were allegedly seen sharing photos of underage girls, objectifying them, and planning ‘gang rapes'.

The incident came to light after a girl from south Delhi shared the screenshot on social media exposing the said group and scores of similar groups.

She wrote, "A group of south Delhi guys aged 17-18 types have this ig gc named "boy's locker room" where they objectify and morph pictures of girls their age. 2 boys from my school are a part of it."

The girl also shared the screenshot of the list of participants of the group and that of their chats where the boys are seen sharing pictures of girls and passing comments on them.

(IANS report)