The series of rape incidents in Bangalore has churned the society and people vent their anger against police inaction, Government’s apathy in protecting the safety of women in a growing cosmopolitan city like Bangalore.
Even though police have assured action in 24 hours, people’s massive protest indicates their lack of faith in the administration. The city has witnessed unprecedented protest demanding action against the guilty in the alleged rape of a six-year-old schoolgirl in an upmarket school in East Bangalore. The protest is seen as a pent up anger against the failure of the authorities to provide security in a city, which boasts of a diverse ethnicity. The three incidents, which shook Bangaloreans, have dented the image of the Silicon Valley of India.
Hundreds of parents took out a massive protest on Saturday in Bangalore and forced the Bangalore Police Commissioner to come to the spot. The protesters who staged a silent march demanded answers from the Police Commissioner. Police Commissioner Raghavendra Aurdhkar assured them of action against the culprits within 24 hours.
Aurdhkar said, “We are pained by the incident. Please give us just 24 hours and we will book the culprits.” He also said that eight people have been detained in this case. A parent, who took part in the protest, told The Pioneer that she was scared to send her daughter to the school. She said, “The way the management of the school has washed their hands of in the case is quite strange.
They have to answer a lot many questions. Why the girl was kept in the dark room as a punishment. We demand the Government should arrest the chairman of the school who has escaped without bothering about this incident. We pay hefty fees and expect them to take responsibly.” later speaking to reporters, Auradkar said, “....there was a delay, lot of delay in actual incident happening and the reporting, 2 July, this happened and 14 July the case was brought to the police. In spite of that we are making all the efforts, and I assure all the people that gives us another day or two.”
An outraged parent said. “When we are protesting against the rape we saw in television channels our Chief Minister was dozing-off in the Assembly. Shame on us. This incident has dented the image of Bangalore in the whole world.” Many parents blamed the apathy of the Government in handling the case. Meanwhile, the State education department has written a letter to the Council for the Indian School certificate examinations (CISCE) Board to de-recognise the school.
Protests have erupted since the incident came to light on July 15, forcing the Government to announce a series of steps including its decision to amend the Goonda Act to bring the rape accused under its ambit. ABVP and other women’s organisations also joined the protest against the school management seeking justice.
Thousands of online petitions have been sent to Karnataka Chief Minister who have started using social media for the last few days. More than 30,000 signatures have been posted online seeking justice. The petitions say “the rape cases have made us to hang our heads in shame and we demand action and justice from the Government. “
Even as the Nirbhaya and Shakti Mill incidents are still fresh in the minds of people, three incidents of alleged rape have shaken the Information Technology city Bangalore which was known for its peace and tranquility.
The case of brutal rape of a six-year-old girl in an up market School in Bangalore East and an incident of rape of a young woman few days back and another incident of rape of a 17-year-old in a seminary has sent shock waves and questions are raised about the safety for women in Bangalore. This is the latest incident of rape continued since 2012 gangrape of Nirbhaya in Delhi. In fact Prime Minister Narendra Modi has promised zero tolerance against crimes against women.