Badaun rape case – an act of complete repugnance

In the aftermath of the horrifying 16^th December Delhi Gangrape case, strong anti-rape laws were introduced, the system was strengthened and actions were initiated against nasty men who used women as a toy. These steps of our then government generated a layer of hope and forte among the female citizens of the country, tough incidents of rapes did not stop. It is a sad reality of our incredible India that despite strengthening of law, incidents of eve-teasing, sexual abuse and rape do not conclude.

In a yet pathetic incident, happened a week ago, at Badaun in Uttar Pradesh, two girls were gangraped and then killed. The cruelty of the accused men did not just stop there. The girls were further hanged to a tree where they were found the next morning by the villagers.

Occupying a total area of 5, 168 km² and consisting total population of 3,700,245, Badaun district lies in the state of Uttar Pradesh. Yes, this is the same Pradesh (state) where Akhilesh Yadav was crowned as the youngest Chief Minister two years back. And this is the same Pradesh where, during a campaign rally, two months back, Samajwadi Party chief Mulayam Singh Yadav asked that should rapes lead to death sentence or hanging. Although Mulayam Singh later clarified his words but the damage was already done.

In this recent incident, two minor girls being gangraped, killed and then hanged to the tree. This happened when the girls had gone out in the field to relive themselves. They were picked up, raped and were later killed.

Sitting at a place, we can simply appal the whole incident but could anyone, other than those two departed souls, feel the actual magnitude of the cruel act? Probably no.

Rapes in Uttar Pradesh are at rise and this incident, particularly, has raised serious questions over the maintenance of law and order in the state. From the constant crimes happening there, it seems that law and order in the state has gone for a toss. Ever since this rape incident, the Akhilesh Yadav government has been under tremendous pressure from political parties, organizations and activists.

The Indian Express, on May 28^th reported that angry over police apathy in registering the FIR, the villagers protested by blocking traffic with dead bodies on Ushait-Lilawan Road and also demanded suspension of all the policemen posted in Ushait Police station. They demanded a visit by the state Chief Minister AkhileshYadav to the village in this connection.

The next day, two police officials were suspended. Meanwhile, describing the incident as gruesome, NCW (National Commission for Women) procured a suo-moto cognizance. The local police too was blamed by the NCW. AIDWA (All India Democratic Women’s Association) too demanded that the local police officials who are involved in the crime should be labelled as accused in the FIR.

Instead of being a little cautious in the aftermath of the incident, AkhileshYadav made a shocking comment. When a journalist questioned him about the law order situation in Uttar Pradesh, Mr. Akhilesh Yadav disgustingly replied her saying, “I hope you have not faced any danger.”

According to the reports, on Monday members of BJP’s women’s wing in Lucknow marched towards the office of Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav and staged a protest there. Also, LokJanashakti Party chief and newly appointed Union Cabinet Minister, Mr. Ram Vilas Paswan along with his son Chirag Paswan visited the house of those two victims. Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi too met the victim’s family. BSP chief Mayawati also visited the house of the victim. Addressing the media, Mayawati slammed the Akhilesh Yadav government. She said that during the rule of the party whose chief says death penalty for rapists is wrong, rape victims can never get appropriate justice. Rahul Gandhi and Mayawati both demanded a CBI probe into the matter. Mayawati has also announced a compensation of Rs. 5 lakh each for family of the victim girls.

Newly appointed Union Minister for Women and Child Development, Maneka Gandhi said that she will set will set up Rape Cells inorder to prevent these incidents from happening and for the initiation of quick actions.

The United Nations too condemned the incident and have demanded immediate actions against the perpetrators and to address violence against women and girls across India, PTI reported.

In its judgement on the PIL filed by We the People NGO the Allahabad High Court demanded directed a petitioner to produce the copies of post-mortem reports and FIR filed by the families of victims of Badaun gang rape and murder case by June 9, reported the Times of India.

Spectralhues spoke to Sharanya Bhattacharya, Editor of ‘A Phase Unknown – Women a Tribute’, a book highlighting women’s sufferings. Commenting on the issue she said, “The only thing I can say is that we should protest, not with candle marches or black dot in the social networking profile picture, but we should go to the court and do it. File petitions, protest till the end.”

“Lack of proper education is the reason of all this. Also, Media should stop highlighting such news in the TV and take disciplinary action under the cover,” she further added.

Founder of Fablery India, Mrs. Nethra Anjanappa said, “They (rapists) are still leaving in some past century when they could do such things and get away with it, all because they’re friends with the powerful people in the state. Some Men should stop being Animals.”

Well, there is a mounting pressure on Akhilesh Yadav government for maintaining the law and order in the state. Indeed, the women in Uttar Pradesh need to be protected by the government and it must ensure a healthy environment for them in the state. The safety of the female citizens continues to be a prime issue infront of the Modi Government. Although Maneka Gandhi has assured of setting up rape cells in the country but the party can do much more to ensure safety for the female citizens. Also, cruel men need to get this thing in mind that they need to be in their limits. Raping, molesting or abusing girls must come to an end. It is time to be a responsible citizens of the country and respect the women.

- Written for Spectralhues on June 4,2013. Views expressed are personal.