Articles

It’s been just few months since the RG Kar incident, and we, the people of India, responded with protests, candlelight vigils, and social media posts. But, as is often the case, we are beginning to forget. This isn’t the first time. From the Aruna Shanbaug case in 1973 to the RG Kar case in 2024, we seem to follow the same cycle of outrage, only to let the memory fade with time.

In between these cases, there have been many more notable ones. Some of these include:
• The Mathura rape case (1972)
• Scarlett Keeling’s rape and murder case (2008)
• The Nirbhaya case (2012)
• The Sowjanya case (2012)
• The Mumbai gang rape (2013)

And very recently:
• The Badlapur case, where 4-year-old children were the victims.
• The Kultuli case in West Bengal on 5th October, where a 10-year-old child was the victim.
• The Ludhiana case on 7th October, where a 6-year-old child was the victim.”

We show our outcry only if the media highlights the case. If the media does not highlight it, we forget too. But we cannot wait for the media to highlight these cases before showing our outrage.

Despite the outcry, the numbers continue to rise: from 24,923 cases in 2012 to 31,677 in 2022.
Why is this happening? Why, despite the protests and voices of the people, are these crimes increasing? Even small children are becoming victims.

The government has allocated Rs 7,212 crore under the Nirbhaya Fund for the safety and security of women and children, but many states have utilized less than 50% of this. Some states have used around 70%. We, the people, have witnessed this neglect, even when funds are available to protect those in need.

In a country with over 332,000 elected representatives—MLAs, MPs, panchayat members, and municipal leaders—along with:
• 4,000 IAS officers,
• 5,000 IPS officers,
• A police force of 2 million, including 250,000 women police officers,
• 17,000 police stations,
• 1.5 million advocates working to uphold the law,

Why do these crimes still persist?

Beyond government and law enforcement, we, the people of India, also have 11 million teachers and countless spiritual leaders from all religions to guide us in living a righteous life. Yet these numbers continue to rise.

What is the solution to reduce this crime? We must remember that preventing crime is more important than punishing the criminal because no matter how severe the punishment, it cannot undo the damage or heal the loss experienced by the victim.

So, why can’t we, the people of India, come together and find a solution?
Why can’t we, the people, dedicate half a day on the first Sunday of every month to focus on the protection of women and children? Why can’t we, the people, take an oath to work toward reducing these crimes?As part of this effort, I, Alok Sajjan, pledge to dedicate the first Sunday of every month to this cause. If you’re interested in joining us at the Pahimam Foundation, please give a missed call to 9343266266 or send us an email.
“Together, we can find solutions to build a safer world“