From Nirbhaya To Anamika, Kolkata Doctor To Minor Dalit Girl: Reflecting On How Easily It Could've Been Us!

Nirbhaya, Anamika, Kolkata’s Doctor, the minor Dalit girl— how many more cases before we can go a day without hearing of another rape? Every story makes us realise how easily it could’ve been any of us! So many cases fought, so many lives lost to the misogynist monstrosity. Will anything ever change? On Independence Day, while reading about the Kolkata Doctor Rape-Murder Case, I broke down and texted my best friend, “I can feel my heart breaking inside me as I read these updates,” I told her “It's okay to feel this way— to be outraged, scared, and extremely angry,” trying to console me she replied. But is consolation what we need? Consoling is what they did when a girl was raped and murdered beyond recognition on a public bus! ‘Consoling’ is what they all did when another girl was found gang-raped and killed in a gutter! ‘Consoling,’ is what’s happening now after a doctor was raped and killed at her workplace. Lastly, ‘consoling,’ is all they offer when a minor Dalit girl was abducted from her home, in front of her entire family and was later killed because she refused to marry a middle-aged man.

Shame! Shame! Shame!

While I was discussing all this with my friend, she said, “This place is not for us, we have to survive. We have thrived till now. We'll thrive in future too and we’ll educate people about this. Okay? We’ll do everything from our end. That is our part. You have a voice. Speak to the world.” She told me to speak up, but to whom? The ones responsible for our safety could not care less. They are busy covering up for the culprits and if not, they are blaming the women. “I just can't stop myself from imagining like I was there and still helpless,” I replied.

Yesterday, one of my neighbours came to my home and discussed the Kolkata doctor’s case. “Children should watch religious programs and listen to Katha. This will help them get on the right path and keep them from developing such heinous mindsets,” said the 57-year-old woman. I asked her how that would help and she mentioned that the Baba (name hidden for privacy reasons) tells how women dressing improperly evokes men’s lust. Yes! “So the Burqa or the tunic on that Muslim woman or nun must have had ‘Rape Me’ written on them,” I said. “The 80-year-old must have ‘asked for it,’ right?” I retorted. “What you don’t understand, Aunty, is that your Baba telling women to dress or behave a certain way is validating the culprits’ choices. They are telling the defaulters it’s not their fault!”

By then, I had seen a post shared by one of my best friends on her Instagram story. I’ll just let you see for yourself.

Women’s First Reactions To News And Headlines Of Rapes And Murders

Rajoshi, a journalist and my colleague said, “Congratulations Delhiites— Delhi is no longer the rape capital of India, India is the rape capital of the world. Also, cheers to 78 years of independence, look how freely we can now roam, even at our workplaces!”

Shivangi, a 20-year-old from Kolkata said, “It's one thing hearing about a rape case and feeling traumatised but when it comes from your city which is deemed to be known for its ‘safety’ yeah that's a different kind of haunting. I've been numb. That's all just a perpetual feeling of numbness and hopelessness. Because deep down, we all know that no matter how many posts we share and how much we protest, this will happen again tomorrow— or it might even be happening right now as I write this.”

“When we hear about heinous acts of sexual violence, our immediate reaction is often one of disbelief and horror. We ask ourselves, 'How could someone commit such an atrocity? What goes through their mind during such acts? What must the woman and her family be going through?’ These questions reveal a deep-seated sense of disillusionment with our society. We believe in fundamental equality and the right to safety for all individuals, regardless of gender. Yet, these tragic events force us to confront unsettling emotions like disgust and helplessness,” said Mental Wellness and Personal Transformation Coach Kiara Jain.

“We must recognise that such violence can be inflicted upon anyone, irrespective of how they dress or behave. It is not the responsibility of women to modify their lives to prevent these crimes. Instead, the onus is on men to be accountable for their actions. Our societal perspective needs a fundamental shift: women should have the freedom to dress and live as they choose without fear, and perpetrators of violence should be held fully responsible for their actions,” Kiara continued.

“I have read so many articles about the Kolkata doctor case that it feels like it happened to my sister or close friend. And this isn’t the only rape incident; countless others go unnoticed. Women live in constant fear, whether they’re being physically violated or torn apart by the leering stares of men who look at them like prey. What kind of independence are we celebrating if men in our society continue to treat women like this? Freedom means nothing if half the population lives in terror,” said 22-year-old Tanya from Delhi.

Sonia Saluja, one of my PR associates shared, “It is frustrating and distressing to read news about such horrific crimes regularly. I do not feel safe or protected in my own country. We, as women, have to think several times before heading out of our homes. There is a need to take immediate action to deliver justice to victims, and ensure that all women are safe from these crimes.”

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Image Content Credits:Purnima Mishra

“Why? How can someone be so disgustingly cruel? Do they not realise that the girl they harm is someone’s daughter, sister, wife, or mother? As a woman, I no longer feel safe in my own country, and every day the situation worsens. It’s heartbreaking that even young girls are not safe. Why don’t we have the surveillance needed to prevent such atrocities? What drives the mentality of men who commit these heinous acts? As I listen to these stories, I can’t help but think—shouldn’t we punish these offenders publicly and broadcast it to create a sense of terror in those who even contemplate such evil deeds?” said Sakshi Bahl, Asst. Account Director at TYC Communication, New Delhi.

Anuradha, a journalist in her late 30s, said, “As a mother, I deeply worry about my daughter's safety. Despite the advancements in technology, such as safety apps and increased police presence, the underlying issue remains: the mindset of individuals has not improved. The key to real change lies in educating people and challenging the harmful attitudes that continue to persist.”

“After hearing about such brutality happening in our country, I feel a mix of anger and fear that’s hard to describe. We live in a state of constant state of vigilance, checking every bus before boarding, and analysing every room before entering, yet we still fear that something so horrific could happen to us at any moment. It’s enraging that we must live in fear— not because of anything we’ve done, but because some men can’t control themselves. It makes me question whether we even have a place in this world,” said Vanya, a 24-year-old from Sonipat.

“Independence is a myth. The day I wake up and don't have to fear getting raped is the day I'll truly feel independent,” said Aparna, a 26-year-old journalist at a media house. (5 Horrific Rape Cases That Shook The Nation After Nirbhaya)

Payal Sri, a manager at my firm said, “Every time I read about such horrendous crimes, it feels like a personal loss. Anyone can be in place of the victim, and all we do is post stories on social media, talk about the case, and protest. However, I feel helpless because there is nothing that we can do about it. It feels like personal grief, our sisters are dying unnatural death and it's time our government should introduce strict laws. Kyunki Asali Azadi Wahi Hai.”

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