What TV doesn't, print can't; we deliver.
What TV doesn't, print can't; we deliver.
The tragic death of Dr Moumita Debnath at RG Kar Medical College in Kolkata has once again highlighted the pervasive issue of crimes against women in India. On August 9, 2024, Dr. Debnath, a trainee doctor, was found brutally raped and murdered in a seminar room on campus. This incident has sparked nationwide outrage and protests, demanding justice and a safer environment for women.
Crimes against women in India have been a persistent problem, with numerous cases of sexual assault, domestic violence, and harassment reported daily. According to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) 2022 report, a total of 4,45,256 cases of crimes against women were registered in India, marking a 4% increase from the previous year. This translates to nearly 51 FIRs being filed every hour. India was ranked 128th out of 177 countries in the 2023 Women, Peace, and Security Index by the Georgetown Institute for Women, Peace, and Security. This ranking places India in the fourth quintile for women’s safety.
India has implemented 83.3% of legal frameworks that promote, enforce, and monitor gender equality under the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) indicator, focusing on violence against women. But despite these stringent laws and measures, the implementation and enforcement often fall short, leaving many women vulnerable. The RG Kar incident is a stark reminder of the systemic failures that allow such heinous acts to occur.
The sense of safety among women aged 15 years and above has declined. In 2017, 65.5% of Indian women reported feeling safe, but this figure dropped to 58% in 2023. Dr. Debnath’s case is particularly disturbing due to the circumstances surrounding her death. Initial reports suggested suicide, but the autopsy revealed she had been sexually assaulted and strangled. The brutality of the crime, including injuries to her eyes, mouth, and genitals, underscores the extreme violence women in India face.
This brings to mind the earlier case of Nirbhaya in December 2012, a horrific incident that sparked nationwide protests and global outcry, demanding justice and better protection for women in India. The Nirbhaya case led to significant legal reforms, including stricter anti-rape laws and the establishment of fast-track courts for sexual assault cases. However, the Kolkata brutality raises questions about the safety and security measures in place at educational and medical institutions.
Addressing the issue of women’s safety in India requires a multifaceted approach, including better law enforcement, public awareness campaigns, and community support systems. It calls for a comprehensive review of security protocols and a more robust legal framework to protect women. Additionally, there is a pressing need for societal change to address the deep-rooted misogyny and patriarchal attitudes that perpetuate violence against women.
The death of Dr. Debnath should not be in vain. Both the Kolkata doctor’s death and Nirbhaya’s remain symbols of the fight against sexual violence and the ongoing struggle for women’s safety in India. They should catalyze change, prompting authorities and society to take concrete steps to ensure that women can live and work without fear.
