Hathras: Enough With The Hashtags, It’s Time To Get Real

Trigger Warning: Sexual Assault, Rape, Caste-Based Violence.

In another inhumane incident of a heinous gang-rape, a 19-year old woman from Hathras, Uttar Pradesh succumbed to her grievous injuries on September 29 at Delhi’s Safdarjung Hospital after fighting for her life for two weeks.

The 19-year old girl was assaulted and allegedly raped by four upper-caste men from her own village in Hathras on September 14. She had sustained several injuries, including multiple fractures, a spinal injury, and a deep cut to her tongue. After battling for two weeks, she finally succumbed to her injuries on September 29.

The brutality did not stop there, the officials who have the basic responsibilities to protect the laws, to find the culprit, and to punish them also seemed to behave in the most ‘inhumane’ way possible. Late Tuesday night, around 2:20 am, the police officials her body of the woman in a seemingly desperate cover-up attempt, without the permission of the family, the family accused. Videos of the police cremating the body were also circulated on social media, which ignited rage among the netizens.

Following the outrage, the District Magistrate of Hathras reportedly spoke to the victim’s family. A video is currently going viral on social media where the DM, Praveen Kumar Laxka, is heard saying, “Do not finish your credibility. These media people… some left today and tomorrow more will leave. Only we will be here with you. Ok? It is up to you whether you want to change your statement or not. We can also change.” The family has also alleged “threats and pressure” from him. Look at the video:

However, Mr Laxkar had denied the family’s allegation saying, “I met with six family members yesterday and we spoke for about an hour and a half. I met with them again today to see their point of discontent. I deny the negative rumours about my interactions with them. Their main worry is that the accused must be hanged. I tried to reassure them and told them that the matter would be tried in a fast track court.”

In another twist in the case, ADG claims that there is no evidence of rape.

People who are questioning the police and protesting are being dragged from the roads. The case has intensified protests across the country.

Now, the District Administration imposed Section 144 in Hathras and has banned the entry of all ‘outsiders’. Within 24 hours, a 22-year old was raped in Balrampur, an 8-year old was raped in Azamgarh, and another 14-year old met the same fate in Bulandshahar. You will find such incidents anywhere if you will put your finger on UP’s map. Do people have no fears of UP’s law or do they also play the caste game?

A large section of the social media users started using the same hashtag trend but the question remains the same: What really has changed? Nothing. However, India is waking up and now we demand a strict law to protect the women. The law must be so strict that they would not even dare to think of it. Nirbhaya’s case only got ‘resolved’ after a long journey of seven years, even when the ‘proof’ was there. How long will this take?

It’s time to ask the government for more speedy trial court for rape victims. They can result in the reduction of rape cases against women. Sex education and treating women respectfully are another need in India. I feel that song lyrics and movies which project women as objects are another issue that leads to a certain mindset among boys.

Just using hashtags will not be enough, and we need to do something, I feel. What is the use of such a ‘high-standard society’ when we can not even walk alone in our own area?

Featured image for representational purpose only.