MUMBAI: The Maharashtra government has decided to transfer Pune Police Commissioner Satyapal Singh in the wake of rising crime graph in the city, the Legislative Council was informed today.

"Considering the growing crime rate in Pune, Police Commissioner Satyapal Singh would be transferred and a more efficient police official will be given the job," Maharashtra Minister of State for Home Ramesh Bagwe told the Upper House.

The announcement came after the members of the Council demanded the transfer of Singh while discussing the recent gang rape cases in Pune.

Members from both sides came down heavily on the Home department for not taking quick action against the accused in connection with the rape of a government official at Parli in Beed district of Marathwada region, last week. Shiv Sena MLC Neelam Gorhe demanded transfer of Singh while raising the issue.

"In such cases, victims should be given protection till the case gets to hearing in the court," she said adding Mumbai tops the list in rape and molestation cases.

Leader of Opposition Pandurang Phundkar asked for an increase in penalty and demanded to hang the guilty. He also criticised the security lapses on the government's side in the Parli rape case.

In reply, Bagwe said police are in process to implement Maharashtra Organised Crime Act against the accused in the case. "Strict action would be taken against police officials for delaying the procedure," he said.

The Government has also instructed police to register a rape case within seven days and in camera hearing should be conducted in three days, he said. Restrictions would also be put over the media coverage of such cases, Bagwe added.

The issue also figured in the Legislative Assembly, where Home Minister R R Patil said that a committee headed by retired Chief Justice Chandrashekhar Dharmadhikari would be set up in this regard.

The Committee would also include senior judicial officers and members of the House. It is expected to look into how the existing laws on crime against women can be strengthened.

"The Parli rape victim didn't want to file a complaint. Police suspected and pursued the matter. She told police that if the incident is made public, she would suffer more humiliation," Patil said stressing the need for rape cases to be handled more sensibly.

Considering the sensitivity of the issue, Patil said the committee would decide on how much information about the victim can be made public during investigations.

There are several pending proposals sent by the state to the Centre with regard to strengthening and amending of present laws related to rape cases, Patil said adding he would personally look into the matter.

The Government would discuss with the High Court, how the trials in rape case can be completed in six months, he said.

"If necessary the Government would increase the number of Courts. After the Parli incident, the police department has taken an initiative to extern history sheeters, who were on police record and invoke Maharashtra Prevention of Disruptive Activities against them," he said.

A committee comprising of senior police officials would also review the status of the history sheeters, Patil added. The minister would take updates every 24 hours from the committee members.