The 2P Approach to Tackling Rape Cases and Their Incidence

It is very painful and torturous to read or hear news about rapes that seem to happen unabated in spite of stricter laws in force post the nationwide protests over the brutal rape of “Nirbhaya”, the 23-year-old woman in a moving bus in Delhi in December 2012. The recent gang-raping and killing by hanging of two cousins aged 13 and 15 in Uttar Pradesh is the most ghastly incident. Another gruesome incident is reported today from Bareilly in UP in which a 22-year old woman was gang-raped, reportedly made to drink acid and strangulated to death.

Every time we hear of a rape incident the blood boils but we feel so helpless. There is nothing more excruciating pain than being in a state of helplessness. While it doesn't make any sense in trying and understanding why some so-called ‘men’ rape, it would definitely be in our country’s best interests to send a strong message to all those men with ‘animal’ instincts. It appears that some state governments are too tolerant with rapists in the name of human rights. Mulayam Singh Yadav, leader of Samajwadi Party and father of CM of Uttar Pradesh was tolerated when he opposed the bill for gang-rapists to be executed and also passed the notorious remark that “They are boys. They make mistakes”.  According to him rape is a ‘mistake’ and ‘boys’ need not be hanged for that. Would he have said the same if a close relative of his was at the receiving end? This is the state of affairs in our country with such leaders at the helm of affairs.

We can attribute the basic problem with repeated rapes happening in this country to lack of deterrent examples till this date. Criminals are indirectly encouraged when they are aware that the long arm of the law is indeed short and the process of justice is prolonged. No rape victim can endure this long and the disgraceful legal process. The three pillars of our democracy namely The Legislature, The Judiciary and The Executive with the support of the Fourth Estate should find a way to nab and punish the culprits within seven days of the incident and the government should put in place anything it takes to make this happen.

There are two ways in which we can tackle rape cases - while one is faster closure of the case and Punishment, the other is activities aimed at Prevention.

Closure and Punishment

The only punishment that is recommended for rapists is castration (either chemical or physical) and life imprisonment if not death penalty. A rapist should not be allowed to move in public for the rest of his life. For some ‘humans’, castration may appear to be barbaric. But we should ask them “Is rape not barbaric?” Just think of the woman victim who had to live with the savagely memories of rape and the societal problems that she has to face. Will any human rights activist be able to give bring her back to a normal life? The obvious answer is no.

Faster and serious handling of cases will send a strong message to all those ‘men’ and ‘boys’ who are in reality ‘two legged pure carnivorous animals’ for whom the laws have to be different from other humans in the society. Unless we have such a strictly enforced law and faster paced punishment model, we will continue to hear stories of our women suffering at the hands of such virus infected minds and bodies.

Activities And Laws Aimed At Prevention

As the saying goes ‘Prevention is better than cure’. No doubt stricter punishments will deter prospective rapists from committing the heinous crime but what are more important are systemic changes so that women feel it safe and there is always a feel-good environment for them. A quick look at the below graphic by The Wall Street Journal based on NCRB:PRS Legislative Research on the number of rape cases recorded across India shows the problem areas.

Source: The Wall Street Journal's graphic based on PRS Legislative Research

The State as well as the Central governments should immediately study and understand the reasons for such high incidence of rapes in high ranking states. Is it because of backwardness? Is it because of the rich and powerful dominating the poor and the downtrodden?  How are the police functioning in these areas? Is the consumption of liquor more in these areas, if drunkenness could be linked to number of rape cases? Are there enough of police stations? If yes, how are the police functioning in those areas? I am sure my friends who read this column will come out with more such questions that could throw some light on understanding the reasons.

In the same way we must try and understand the factors that are playing a positive role in recording low numbers in other states based on same questions as above. What are the conditions in those states in which the numbers are low? What is good about them? If a research is conducted on these lines by government agencies under the ministry of HRD or Women Welfare,we are likely to get some clarity on some of the reasons that are leading to rapes. Based on the same, the Central and State governments can cohesively plan to work to prevent rapes.

Also, it is important that Bollywood and other ‘AtoZ’woods stop showing women as an object of desire in the films. Secondly, the advertising fraternity should be socially more responsible while using women in product promotions. Unfortunately some Corporates also encourage such advertisements. This should immediately stop and there should be special laws which prevent from women being used or projected in such a manner.  

A rape is a blot on the society in which women are worshipped as Goddesses. No amount of development or progress is worth if the nation continues to report cases of rape. We have to collectively feel ashamed of every single case of rape that we hear or read.

I hope BJP government under the able and strong leadership of Narendra Modi will work to free the country from rapes and create an atmosphere in which women can live in peace fearlessly at all times.