By Prashant Shah
The rape and murder of a student from RG Kar Medical College in Kolkata as well as the sexual assault on two four-year-old minor girls at a school in Maharashtra's Badlapur and a 10-year-old girl, the daughter of migrant labourers from Bihar, was allegedly raped and killed, and her body dumped in a sugarcane field in Maharashtra's Kolhapur, have sent shockwaves through India, sparking a significant outcry from people and fueling discussions on safety, justice, and systemic failures. The incidents, which occurred in this month, tragically became a stark reminder of the pervasive issues of violence against women and institutional negligence. While similar cases in the past, like the Ranga Billa case in the 1970s and the Nirbhaya case in 2012, also provoked national anger. But real change has been limited, with crimes against women continuing all-time high.
The victim, a young woman who was pursuing her medical degree at RG Kar Medical College, was found brutally attacked and murdered, an event that left the academic community all over India in mourning. The nature of the crime was horrific, with reports indicating extreme violence and a premeditated assault. Such brutal acts, especially when targeting students who are meant to be in a place of learning and safety, underscore a grave failure in safeguarding individuals in vulnerable environments.
Protests erupted almost immediately following the news of the rape and murder. Students, faculty, and members of the public took to the streets, demanding justice for the victims and calling for systemic reforms to prevent future occurrences. The rallies all over India were marked by a strong sense of urgency and anger, with demonstrators highlighting the broader issue of violence against women and the frequent inadequacies in the justice system. The protests were not just about seeking retribution for the specific case but were also a broader indictment of societal and institutional failings that contribute to such tragedies.
As the investigation progressed in doctor’s rape and murder case, various conspiracy theories emerged, complicating the narrative. Some speculated that the crime was not just a random act of violence but potentially linked to broader networks or even to internal conflicts within the college or the medical community. These theories, while often unfounded or speculative, contributed to the public’s sense of distrust and frustration with the handling of the case. They also served as a reflection of the broader issues of corruption and inefficiency within the system.
The media played a significant role in shaping the public discourse around the case. The intense coverage highlighted the emotional and social impact of the crime, but it also sometimes veered into sensationalism. This, in turn, affected public perception and contributed to the polarized debates about the case. While the media's role in amplifying the issue was crucial in maintaining pressure on the authorities, it also sometimes led to a focus on dramatic aspects of the story rather than on the systemic issues that needed addressing. The case highlighted the need for comprehensive reforms in how such cases are handled, from the initial response and investigation to the eventual prosecution and conviction.
The protests and the public outcry are not enough to resolve this century-old problem. People have short memories and along with time they forget. Though government implemented several policies to protect women, but the influentials, the legal system and the loop-wholes keep culprits away from the punishment. Politicians also play their role for their own personal gain.
The safety of women in India remains a significant concern, despite ongoing efforts to address gender-based violence. High-profile cases and troubling statistics indicate that women continue to face substantial risks from rapists and criminals. Reports from the National Crime Records Bureau reveal a persistent and alarming number of rape cases each year, with substantial numbers of gang rapes also being reported.
Over the past decade, India has witnessed significant numbers of reported rape and gang rape cases, underscoring serious concerns about gender-based violence. According to official data from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), the number of reported rape cases has seen fluctuations, with a general upward trend. According to statistic, over 80 per cent cases were not reported because of fear of society and the family pressure.
In 2014, the year following the infamous Nirbhaya case, there were 36,735 reported rape cases. This number rose to 38,947 in 2015. The statistics for 2016 indicated a continuing increase, with 38,947 cases reported. The subsequent years saw further increases: 2017 recorded 32,559 cases, and 2018 saw a rise to 33,356 cases. The year 2019 witnessed a slight decrease to 32,033 cases, while 2020, amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, reported 28,046 cases.
The year 2021 marked a significant rise, with 31,677 reported cases, and 2022 saw an increase to 32,608 cases. Gang rapes specifically have also been a point of concern. The NCRB data reveals that in 2015, there were 2,117 reported gang rape cases, rising to 2,208 in 2016. In 2017, the number was 2,229, which saw a minor decline to 2,135 in 2018. The figures for 2019 showed a drop to 2,059 cases, with a significant rise to 2,418 cases in 2020. The years 2021 and 2022 reported 2,215 and 2,301 cases, respectively.
It is indeed very shame that in India, a country of rich culture and a land of Goddess Parvati, Lakshmi, Saraswati, Durga and so on…, women are not safe at all. Where the families do not dare to send their wife or sister or daughter out at night alone. Where the young girls afraid to ride a bus alone, where the little girls can be gang raped at schools.
Government needs to implement a policy that gives stern punishment to culprits and a speedy justice to victims. This is the only way our women are safe in our country. Women safety is absolutely non-negotiable and government must do whatever it need to safeguard them at any cost.
