It is humiliating that even after so many years of the country’s independence, women are subjected to torture, harassment and violence. Shockingly, it is also happening in highly-educated and affluent families, said Odisha State Human Rights Commission (OSHRC) Chairman Justice BK Mishra here on Tuesday at the 20th anniversary of the Institute of Social Development (ISD) and launch of a 100-day campaign on “Break the Silence’.
Justice Mishra told people to always tell the truth to the court. Do not be tempted and don’t be afraid of threats. In case threatened, approach the local police or inform the Superintendent of Police. If they don’t pay heed, knock at the doors of the court. The court can direct the police to provide protection. Even the witnesses can be provided protection. He further said the crimes against women are increasing. But awareness has been created and the crimes are being reported by the victims. The media has become powerful and nothing can be pushed below the carpet. However, he advised that the law should not be misused and violence against women should be minimised if not stopped.
Former CBI Special Judge Hrudaya Ballav Das said law is not the only solution to violence against women. It needs mass mobilsation. He opined that the punishment is decreasing and urged the people to rise to the occasion instead of being silent spectators when a crime is committed against the women folk, quoting the recent incident of three girls being harassed on the Nandankanan Road by hooligans in full public view.
The psychic needs to be changed. However, he urged the police to be more sympathetic to the victims or the complainants instead of being highhanded and alleged that when he once went to the police station he was humiliated even though he was a Sessions Judge then.
Commissioner of Income Tax Sarat Kumar Dash said the police should change its attitude towards the denizens. They still have a colonial hangover. He alleged that the powerful and the mighty are the main obstacles instead of being facilitators for any change. Dash said people are afraid to go the police or act as Good Samaritans in distress situations fearing harassment. Though the cases are increasing, the police do not want to show that because it would show pendency. He advised them to be sympathetic to those approaching them. He also spoke about his own experience during a visit to the police station. But he said one should have a good family first before being anything else to respect woman
Twin City Commissioner of Police YB Khurania said the Government is aware about the crimes against women. He said it is often reported that the State is such number is crimes against women. But the positive side is now the cases are being reported as there is more awareness. Earlier , they were decided at the panchayat level. The awareness, response and police presence has to be improved to curb the rising crimes against women. He admitted that the Women and Child Desks at police stations are not functioning because 525 Sub- Inspector of Police posts sanctioned for the manning the desks could not be recruited. But presently, 800 Sis are being trained and in couple of year’s time they would run these desks.
He informed that the city police have now a specialised unit called Integrated Unit for Crimes against Women. He said now everything is being broadcast or is on the social media before the police know about it. However, what is appearing in the social media is not gospel truth and the police should be given time to investigate any case. Among others, Indian Council for Cultural Relations Director General Amarendra Khatua also spoke. ISD director Subhashree Das presided over the function.