NEW DELHI: Congress stalwart Rahul Gandhi has demanded a harsh punishment for the criminals who burnt alive a girl in Jharkhand's Dumka.

Taking to Twitter Rahul Gandhi wrote in Hindi which roughly translates: "Every Indian's head hangs in shame at the cruel treatment given to Ankita, and she will receive justice when those responsible for the crime receive swift and severe punishment.

"It's time to make the environment safer for women today." Ankita, a student in the 12th grade, was being bullied by a young man who eventually burned her alive by pouring gasoline on her after she rejected him and reported him to her family.

Ankita, who had suffered terrible injuries, battled for five days at RIMS in Ranchi before passing away late on Saturday night. On Monday morning in Dumka, she was cremated. The Jharkhand sub-capital city of Dumka remained closed for a second day in protest of this event. Although accused Shahrukh, who is believed to have lit Ankita ablaze, is currently in jail, the public is clamouring for his swift punishment. Regarding this incidnet, a social media campaign is also active. On Twitter, the phrase "Ankita Hum Sharminda Hain" is trending.

A video of Ankita's statement before her death went viraliral, in which she is saying that Shahrukh, who burnt her, has gone to jail, but still his people are threatening to kill her family members.

The Jharkhand government has constituted Special Investigation Teamfor fast and speedy action. People are also angry that when Ankita was battling between life and death in the hospital, no government representative took care of her and her family members. 

CM Soren's MLA brother's 'shameless' statement in defence of who burnt Ankita alive, watch video

Azad's 'Congress Todo' campeign before 'Bharat Jodo'! 65 leaders resign together

Rahul Gandhi is only better for demonstration, not good for organization: Azad