Something Sinister About Kolkata Rape-Murder Case

‘There Is Something More Sinister About Kolkata Rape-Murder Than What Meets The Eye’

Sushmita Tiwari, an educator at Delhi Public School, Ghaziabad and a former Radio Jockey, says the full truth must come to light in the RG Kar rape-murder case — no matter how grim. Her views:

The assault on the lady doctor in Kolkata is profoundly shocking and deeply painful to think about. As a woman, it’s unbearable to imagine the suffering she has endured and the fear and anguish she must have felt in her final moments. Such acts of violence are a stark reminder of the cruelty that continues to exist in some sick individuals, showing a level of brutality that is almost beyond comprehension.

Mamata Banerjee and her police reacting late add to the trauma for the victim’s family. When the institutions meant to protect us appear to hesitate, or, attempt to downplay such horrors, it feels like another betrayal. I feel they are trying to cover up and get rid of the evidence.

The possibility that more than one man is involved is chilling, and, if true, it only deepens the atrocity. Women already live with enough fear — knowing that such monsters might work in packs is unbearable.

The rumour of an organ-trading mafia’s involvement, if accurate, takes this crime to an even darker place. While it’s essential to thoroughly investigate every angle, spreading unverified rumours can also harm the pursuit of justice. What’s clear is that the full truth must come to light — no matter how grim.

As for the death penalty, it’s a contentious issue. While some see it as a necessary deterrent, others believe it doesn’t address the root causes of male violence. What is certain is that justice must be severe, swift, and unambiguous in its message.

There is no tolerance for such barbarism in any society that claims to value its women. Indeed, no words can adequately capture my feelings about this incident. It is profoundly distressing and deeply shameful to witness such an atrocity.

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As told to Amit Sengupta

Justice In Rape Cases

‘Justice Eludes Rape Victims From Marginalised Sections’

Hazel Lobo, a counsellor working with victims of sexual abuse in Mumbai, says a dialogue on rape has started post-Nirbhaya but challenges remain

I have been working for more than 10 years now with victims of sexual abuse as well as sex workers in Mumbai. I am also a trained counsellor and I feel we are living in interesting times. The Nirbhaya gang rape case in 2012 was a turning point. What has happened afterwards is that more and more women are coming forward to report such cases, even as each case is becoming scarier than the last.

However, the dialogue around rape and sexual abuse has started on a serious note. People are getting restless and uncomfortable and even deeply despondent about what is happening. Thankfully, the burden of rape is not for the victim alone to carry anymore.

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But as the recent Priyanka Reddy rape-murder case in Hyderabad and a few other cases highlighted by the media have shown, justice is still received by individuals or families of women who belong to the urban, privileged class. Justice for the rape victims from the poor, Dalit, marginalized, underage, minority section is still a far cry. People know, for example, about Priyanka Reddy but no one knows about Rajlakshmi, a Dalit teenage girl who was raped and beheaded in Salem, Tamil Nadu.

Yet another marginalised section of rape crimes comprises sex workers. My work in red light areas of Malvani (Malad) and Kamatipura has taught me that sex workers are accorded no human dignity. If they go to the police to talk about rape, they are laughed at and turned away. The difference between sex and rape is that of consent and very few citizens, policemen and lawmakers understand that. Unlike others, sex workers deal with goons and anti-social elements every day, and they are at the receiving end of sexual depravity. Until each woman feels safe, we cannot stop.

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On the other hand, fake encounters is not the way forward. I have done a course in ‘Restorative Justice’ which drives the responsibility towards the person who has caused harm and how he needs to look inward. And I believe it is possible. As a country we need to stop being judgemental regarding topics and need to have talks out in the open, only then there is hope. If law is not being respected, should we close down all law schools and sort out matters with a mentality where ‘might is right’? I am also against death penalty under the POCSO (Protection of Children from Sexual Offences) Act.

As a social worker I can tell you that prevention is way better than cure in sex crimes. It takes a lifetime to rebuild the faith of individuals who have gone through abuse as well as their families. And for women who are abused by their family members it is even tougher for them to trust themselves or anyone else. Every individual is an important member of society and they need to be treated with respect. Urgent dialogues and reforms are the way forward, rather than punishment.