RAPE is an extreme crime and, not surprisingly, evokes extreme reactions. Following the string of rapes and gang rapes being reported in Haryana, the State Women’s Commission chief was quoted as having called for castration of all rapists. The rash of rapes reported in a few days would also give the impression that there is a ‘spurt’. These rapes are not related, as in a conspiracy. But these are indeed related in the causes — failure of the law and order machinery as well as the social fabric.
Statistics on rape can be very misleading, but it is a starting point. In 1971, the National Crime Records Bureau recorded 2,487 cases of rape while in 2011 it was 24,206 (873 per cent increase). Obviously, a chunk of the increase can be attributed to greater reporting, as society slowly comes out of the taboo mentality. Another figure says more than 90 per cent of the offenders are known to the victim. This is an indicator of families and communities breaking down as protective and supporting structures. To an extent, as the Haryana DGP has said, rapid industrialisation and urbanisation, which tends to give individuals greater anonymity, is responsible. But then as an old system breaks down, a new has to step in. That is where the role of the government and the law and order machinery comes in.
A youth does not go wayward suddenly at the age of 25. In a feudal set-up, he starts going wrong right when he is born, a male. First, the family pampers him, and then the rest of the job is done by the ineffective law-enforcement agencies, which let him drive much before 18, and do not catch him when he jumps the red light. It’s downhill thereafter. The government is answerable for this. On the other hand, girls have to be given the confidence to be able to speak out, including against crimes such as eve-teasing. Hit back at the slightest hint of an unwanted advance, and hit hard. Zero tolerance from everyone concerned is the need.
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