India Gang Rape Provokes Debate
On December 16th, two young women in New Delhi were brutally beaten and raped. One of them, a 23-year-old physiotherapy student, died due to the brutality of the crime. Five men have been charged for the rape and are awaiting trial within the next few weeks.
The case has received international attention, with the underlining problem of lack of law enforcement in India as a recurring subject of conversation. It has raised questions about violence, the current justice system, and the status of women in India.
Due to escalating coverage of rape and violence against women, the Indian media has brought to light many crimes that are rarely – if ever – reported.
Hopefully, this is the beginning of growing awareness of crimes against women.
Unfortunately, some Indian politicians and religious leaders question enforcing structured law in a country that often dismisses it. Oftentimes, regular citizens and officials overlook the law without fear of consequence.
Although many people have been empathetic towards the young women who were raped and beaten, a guru named Asaram Bapu said the victim who was found dead was to blame for not reaching out to her attackers and begging them to stop.
An Islamist group suggested that the government enforce “sober and dignified” dress for girls and abolish co-education. However, many people argue that these extreme actions are likely to only worsen the situation and are not a reasonable solution.
