RIP, PRIYANKA REDDY

It is not very uncommon nowadays to hear about rapes and murders. These felonies are not a recent occurrence, but what is recent, is that the number of these felonies occurring has straightaway shot up. The risk has gone up so high presently that India has been ranked the most dangerous country for women, by the Thomson Reuters Foundation.

Priyanka Reddy, whose brutal rape and murder shook the nation, was a young girl, unknown to the adversity of her fate. Just like several other victims. Gagged and dragged, the courageous woman yet fought bravely, but she was unable to win against the four men manhandling her. Because she was alone. Unless all the women and even men, who are justly against the unjust practices against women, stand together, each woman will be alone and no one can be a winner.

Moreover, rapists all over the world have developed the belief of killing the victim after the act, for a live victim might open his or her mouth to the society one day. Same was the destiny of Priyanka Reddy, who was left smothered and burnt at a bridge in Hyderabad. Her destiny could not have been this. Her destiny could have been changed if only the culprits of each rape case before her had received the punishment they deserved. If only the rapists were told by the society and the justice system, “Your barbaric practices of sexual assault will not be tolerated, not anymore.” Many would look down upon her and pity her fate. I, however, feel that she was a hero, a salute to all the rape victims, a caution to all the rapists.

According to the Nirbhaya Act 2013, the four rapists involved were supposed to be given rigorous imprisonment for at least 20 years. Now, however, they are shot already by the Hyderabadi police, to prevent them fleeing. Some would criticise this step, call it unlawful. I strongly commend this action, believing it is a slap in the face of all rapists, an ointment to the wounds of all rape victims.