The victim is fighting for her life at a hospital in Singapore. The fallout from this incident has claimed the life of another person, a police constable, who was trying to maintain order during one of the protest marches.

Agitators are demanding death penalty for the perpetrators. As usual the police force is being lambasted for being too slow, too late, and politicians are being branded as uncaring. Some people (in responsible positions) have been vocal in saying that women should not venture out late in the night???

This year alone women in Delhi have suffered almost 2 rape incidents every day!

Why are we not doing anything?

Deterrence (or lack of it):  Law enforcement by police and decisive judical process establishes an effective deterrence against crimes. If police shows (visibly) high gender sensitivity and alacrity in taking quick action, it will go a long way in instilling confidence in people. We don't see more female officers and constables, specially in areas that are highly prone to violence against women. We also hear of humiliation of victims when they report such violations.

Judicial Action: National Crime Records Bureau reported that only 26% of all rape cases resulted in conviction in 2011! With 3 out of 4 perpetrator going scot free , it is easy to see that there is no deterrence!

Sometimes even the stand taken by the higher courts becomes inexplicable. You may recall a case, not too far back, in Ranchi (capital of Jharkhand) where a young man walked up to a girl coming out of a college, and decapitated her in the broad daylight. Hon'ble court did not agree for a death sentence, instead awarded life imprisonment which means that the perp will be out just after 14 years behind the bars!  

Prevention & People: Rape is a violent social crime. Have we, as society, taken responsibility to prevent such crimes?

Census of India shows that the sex ratio in Delhi is as low as 866 per 1000 males (2011). The child sex ratio (0-6 years) stands at 868 female for every 1000 male children. This is disturbing sign of the deep bias in the society. 

The Census Data furthur points out that the mortality rate for infants including kids under 5 is higher for the female child than the male child! Where are the missing girls?

This is the crux of our collective shame and we cannot hide behind the inaction of police, judiciary, government and lawmakers, but should hold ourselves equally responsible for allowing such menace to grow. Why are we obsessed with sex determination tests and allow the abhorent (& evil) practicse of female foeticide in the families and communities?

So while responsibility for establishing a strong deterrence lies with law enforcement, judiciary and  administration, prevention of such heinous crimes lies with all of us!

Democracy does not only mean equal rights for everyone. It works only when everyone takes equal responsibility as well!