In a tragic incident that has once again highlighted the issue of women’s safety in India, a 22-year-old woman in Bhiwandi, Maharashtra, was reportedly kidnapped and gang-raped by her ex-boyfriend and his friends. The police have filed a case against six people, with one arrest made till now. This incident contributes to the alarming rise in crimes against women, igniting public outrage and prompting serious questions about the effectiveness of current laws and policies designed to prevent such horrific acts.
Police reports indicate that the victim was targeted by her ex-partner, who, reportedly upset about her new relationship, conspired with five others to abduct her and sexually assault her. The premeditated nature of this crime underscores not only the personal vendetta of the accused but also the broader issue of gender-based violence, which is often fueled by toxic and fragile masculinity.
Events like these inevitably bring back discussions about the legal framework surrounding sexual violence in India. A major turning point in laws related to rape and sexual assault occurred after the tragic 2012 Nirbhaya gang rape case in Delhi, which led to widespread protests and calls for tougher legislation. The Criminal Law (Amendment) Act of 2013 brought significant changes, such as expanded definitions of rape, stricter penalties for offenders, and the creation of fast-track courts to speed up trials.
Even with these legal reforms, the occurrence of such crimes continues to be disturbingly high. The National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) reported that India had over 31,000 rape cases in 2021, which breaks down to roughly 85 cases per day. Maharashtra is one of the states with the highest rates of crimes against women. Although laws have become stricter, there is still a significant gap between legislation and its enforcement, often hindered by slow investigations, victim shaming, and insufficient support systems for survivors.
Policy responses to these crimes have included the creation of One-Stop Centres (OSCs) by the Ministry of Women and Child Development, which are intended to offer comprehensive support to survivors of violence. These centres provide medical care, legal help, and counselling services. Furthermore, the Nirbhaya Fund, established in 2013, seeks to improve women’s safety through initiatives such as emergency response systems and the installation of CCTV cameras in public areas.
However, critics point out that these measures frequently do not tackle the underlying causes of gender-based violence. Numerous programs struggle with inadequate implementation, leading to unspent or mismanaged funds. For instance, a 2020 audit conducted by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) revealed considerable shortcomings in the utilization of the Nirbhaya Fund, which raised doubts about the government’s dedication to ensuring women’s safety.
A comprehensive strategy is essential: enhancing law enforcement and judicial systems while also addressing societal perceptions. Law enforcement officers should receive training to approach sexual violence cases with care and promptness. The judicial system needs to give these cases priority to ensure quick justice, clearly indicating that such offences will not be accepted.
Additionally, lasting change can only be realized by breaking down the patriarchal systems that sustain violence against women. This involves implementing thorough educational programs that promote gender equality from an early age, community outreach efforts that confront damaging stereotypes, and encouraging men to actively support women’s rights.
The Bhiwandi case serves as a heartbreaking reminder that, despite progress in the legal system, there is still a long way to go in ensuring a genuinely safe environment for women in India. Simply expressing outrage after each incident is not sufficient; we need ongoing, systemic efforts to prevent these crimes from happening again. Achieving justice for the victim in this case should extend beyond just punishing those responsible. Only then can we aspire to create a society where women can live without fear.
Written by Ratisha Khare
