Maharashtra Deputy Chief Miniser R R Patil, who holds the Home portfolio, said on Friday that the state government would recommend capital punishment for policemen involved in rape cases.

Replying to queries in the Legislative Assembly during Question Hour, Patil said necessary recommendations would be made to the Centre to amend the existing laws dealing with rape cases as part of efforts to curb the crime against women.

He said in rape cases, the state government would set up a special court, appoint a public prosecutor, file a chargesheet within 30 days and conduct in-camera trial of rape victims.

Replying to queries by Gopinath Munde of the Bharatiya Janata Party and others, Patil said two police officers have been placed under suspension for having illicit relationships and torturing their wives.

They include Police Inspector Raju Chafekar and Assistant Police Inspector Sahu Salve. Chafekar was also transferred from Jalgaon to Gondia.

Replying to queries on a rape committed by a policeman near Sahar International Airport in Mumbai, Patil said men in uniform committing such heinous offences would not be spared.

Patil informed the Lower House that his department has taken strong action against guilty officials of misconduct, especially with women. Thirty-one persons have been dismissed, 108 suspended and departmental inquiry has been initiated against 140 policemen.

Complete coverage: Rape in Mumbai