Thirty-six-year-old Dnyaneshwari Anjan, a practising advocate at the Ambajogai Sessions Court, had reportedly approached the police with a complaint about loudspeakers blaring from a nearby temple, as well as the constant disturbance from three flour mills installed near her home. Villagers, including the sarpanch (village head) however claim that she was a persistent (and often exaggerated complaint), sometimes even filing false complaints! Her claim that the persistent noise triggered migraines and caused her physical distress brought her violent retribution. Instead of any attempts at dialogue with her, detractors resorted to what, increasingly is seen, vigilante violence.

On the morning of April 19, 2025, Anjan was attacked by her village sarpanch and at least nine of his supporters. According to her account, they dragged her to a farm and formed a circle around her, beating her with wooden sticks and plastic pipes—including on her head—until she nearly lost consciousness. The photos of her severely bruised and battered back, which she later shared publicly, went viral on social media, igniting an outcry among civil society, and opposition leaders.

An attack orchestrated by power and patriarchy

This was not a spontaneous act of rage—it was a deliberate, orchestrated punishment for speaking up. Anjan revealed that prior to the attack, the sarpanch had visited her house and told her parents to “reprimand” her, as though her assertion of rights was a form of insubordination. An FIR was registered a full day after the assault, under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including sections for rioting (Section 191(2)), assault to outrage modesty (Section 74), unlawful assembly (Section 189), criminal intimidation (Section 351(2)), and voluntarily causing grievous hurt by dangerous means (Section 118(2)). And yet, as of the last update, none of the accused had been arrested. The police at Yusuf Wadgaon station claimed that search teams had been formed, but the perpetrators remain at large—shielded, perhaps, by political proximity or the comfort of knowing that consequences are rarely swift for those who harm women.

Political firestorm, but no real action

Opposition leaders were quick to condemn the incident. Maharashtra Congress chief Harshvardhan Sapkal declared it a “proof” of the BJP-led government’s failure to ensure women’s safety, stating, “If a woman lawyer is not safe, what about ordinary citizens?” He added that the lawyer was taken to a farm and mercilessly beaten till she fell unconscious, demanding the arrest of the accused and accountability from Devendra Fadnavis, who also holds the home portfolio.

Amol Kolhe, NCP (Sharad Pawar faction) MP, called the incident a “blot on a progressive state like Maharashtra”, invoking the legacy of icons like Jijabai, Ahilyabai Holkar, and Savitribai Phule, and pointing to the collapsed law and order under the BJP-Shiv Sena-NCP alliance. As per Hindustan Times, he added, “Instead of working for the people, alliance leaders are busy fighting among themselves for power.”

Even as the outrage spread online, with photos of Anjan’s injuries making the rounds, the BJP led Maharashtra state government’s silence has been deafening. As public confidence in the state’s protection mechanisms erodes, what is left is the image of a woman lawyer—bruised, nearly broken—punished for doing what the law allows: filing a complaint.

A female advocate was brutally beaten by Sarpanch and his accomplice at Beed District of Maharashtra. Beed again news for wrong reasons#Beed #beednews #Maharashtra pic.twitter.com/QftUfGeCbR

— Tikam Shekhawat (@TikamShekhawat) April 18, 2025

From Beed to Delhi: A wider crisis of safety for women in law

What makes the Beed incident even more disturbing is that it is not isolated. Just days earlier, in Delhi, a woman Judicial Magistrate was subjected to a shocking episode of intimidation and abuse—this time within the confines of her own courtroom.

After convicting an accused in a cheque bounce case under Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act, Judicial Magistrate Shivangi Mangla recorded in her official court order that the accused and his lawyer hurled abuses, made death threats, and attempted to hurl an object at her. The convict told her, in open court, “Tu hai kya cheez… tu bahar mil, dekhte hain kaise zinda ghar jaati hai”—a direct threat to her life.

The lawyer, Atul Kumar, joined his client in pressuring the magistrate to resign and reverse her judgment. Judge Mangla noted that the harassment continued beyond the courtroom, including psychological pressure to quit her post. In her courageous response, she announced her intent to approach the National Commission for Women, and also issued a show cause notice to the lawyer, asking why criminal contempt proceedings should not be initiated against him.

Here was a woman judge, upholding the law of the land, being told she might not “make it home alive” for doing her job.

A systemic pattern of violence and intimidation

What connects Dnyaneshwari Anjan in Beed and Shivangi Mangla in Delhi is not just their profession—it’s the price they paid for exercising their legal rights and authority. In one case, a complaint. In another, a conviction. In both cases, the state’s promise of safety and institutional protection crumbled in the face of patriarchal rage and unchecked power.

It is not enough to call these “rare” or “shocking.” They are part of a wider pattern of systemic violence against women—especially those who step outside domestic spaces and challenge the authority of men in politics, religion, and even the courtroom.

What is at stake is the integrity of the legal system itself, the right to justice, and the belief that the rule of law can protect us.

Conclusion: When the protectors are left unprotected

The brutal assault on Dnyaneshwari Anjan and the threats against Judge Shivangi Mangla should not be seen as two separate news items—they are symptoms of the same disease. A society where women in legal professions are met with violence, abuse, and threats, simply for doing what the law entitles them to do, is a society teetering on the edge of lawlessness.

Where is the urgency in the state’s response? Where is the accountability from those in power? Notably, both the states where these incidents took place are being governed by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government. When perpetrators feel empowered enough to attack lawyers and threaten magistrates, they are signalling something far more dangerous—that they believe the law is on their side, or at least will look the other way.

Related:

When Courts Fail Survivors: How patriarchy shapes justice in sexual offence against women cases

From Protectors to Perpetrators? Police assaulted women, Children, Christian priests in Odisha: Fact-finding report

Surviving Communal Wrath: Women who have defied the silence, demanded accountability from the state

The post Beed to Delhi: Lawyer beaten in Maharashtra, judge threatened in Delhi—what the path for justice means for women practioners in today’s India appeared first on SabrangIndia.

In the last few weeks in Uttarakhand, several incidents of atrocities on women have taken place, including incidents in Rudrapur, Dehradun, Salt and Lalkuan. The most worrying thing is that leaders of the ruling BJP are accused of such atrocities in Salt and Lalkuan, but in these cases, at first the police did not even arrest the accused and then appear to be trying to minimise the crime by using weaker sections of the law.

However, in the same weeks, some organisations and individuals have attacked innocent people on the basis of religion in Kirtinagar, Chamoli, Rudraprayag, Dehradun and other places on the pretext of women’s safety.  In Kirtinagar and Chamoli, Muslim families have even been driven from their homes. The signatories have, in their statement and letter, recalled that in 2023, a similar criminal campaign took place centred around Purola town of Uttarkashi, and later it was found that the alleged molestation incident was completely fake. Till date, no action has been taken against any of the people or organisations responsible for all these criminal incidents.

Overall, the signatories have stated that the Uttarakhand government has failed to provide security to women and the public, while it seems that criminals associated with the ruling party and their organisations are getting protection. The signatories have further demanded that the Governor direct the government to take strict action in any incident of crimes against women and hate crimes, irrespective of the religion, caste or political affiliation of the criminal.

The full text of the open letter may be read here:

To

His Excellency the Governor

Government of Uttarakhand

Your Excellency,

“We would like to express our grave concern about events in the state of Uttarakhand. The state has always been known for peace, harmony and popular movements, but now, hate-driven violence is being spread to divert attention from crimes against women and the alleged role of politicians in these crimes. At a time when lakhs of people across the country are fighting on the streets for the safety and rights of women, other types of crimes are being promoted in Uttarakhand to conceal these crimes.

“Your Excellency, in recent weeks, there have been many incidents of atrocities against women, including incidents in Rudrapur, Dehradun, Salt and Lalkuan. The most worrying thing is that both the alleged rapist of a minor girl in Salt and the alleged rapist of a mother and her minor daughter in Lalkuan are leaders in the ruling BJP. First, the police did not even arrest them; now, they are said to be applying more lenient sections of the law in order to shield them.

“Even as public outrage was rising on these issues, a few organisations and individuals have started hate violence and propaganda in the name of women’s safety.

“On August 31, shops of innocent shopkeepers were vandalised in Chamoli, and their money was looted. According to press reports, at least ten families had to flee from there. Similar incidents have taken place in Kirtinagar, and communal boards have been installed in Rudraprayag.  In Dehradun after some people were beaten up there have been continuous efforts to vitiate the atmosphere, and in the Press Club a speech was made openly inciting violence and hatred, calling for Hindus to carry weapons and for Uttarakhand to be “Muslim free”. More such incidents are happening on a near daily basis in the state. All these crimes are being committed under the pretext that a person from the minority community has been accused of molestation.

“We would also like to remind the government that in 2023, a month-long criminal campaign was launched in Purola town of Uttarkashi on similar allegations, due to which dozens of families had to flee. But as the district court revealed in May, that entire supposed molestation incident was a hoax. The people responsible for those hate crimes, some of whom are engaged in such activities at present, have never faced any consequences.  Indeed, the opposite is happening – the Sunday Post newspaper has revealed that some police officials themselves were spreading hate propaganda on their WhatsApp groups.

“Overall, the Uttarakhand government has failed to protect women and the public, while criminals associated with the ruling party and their organisations seem to be getting protectiom. Instead of conducting a fair investigation, the Chief Minister is trying to blame “outsiders” and minorities for crimes against women. This is against our Constitution and a betrayal of the women of Uttarakhand and the country.

“We therefore request you to immediately direct the government to establish rule of law, and take strict action against perpetrators of crimes against women and hate crimes, irrespective of the religion, caste or political affiliation of the culprit.”

Signatories:

Organisations:

1. All India Feminist Alliance
2. Meera Sanghamitra, NAPM
3. National Council of Women Leaders
4. Afqaar India Foundation
5. Revolutionary Youth Association (RYA)
6. Feminists in Resistance
7. Bebak Collective
8. Swavalamban Samaj Vikas Sanstha
9. Sambhaavnaa Institute
10. Vann Gujjar Tribal Yuva Sangathan
11. Indian Community Activists Network (ICAN)
12. Janashakthi
13. Ram Kumar, Dynamic Action Group
14. Forum Against Oppression of Women
15. Van panchayat Sangarsh Morcha
16. Chandan Saroj, AISF
17. Rajesh Kanoje, Adivasi Mukti Sangathan
18. MNREGA Mazdoor Union
19. Dalit Adhikar Abhiyan, Chhattisgarh
20. Ambika Yadav, Jharkhand Kisan Parishad
21. Vertika Mani, Secretary PUCL
22. People’s Campaign for Sociology-Economic Equity
23. Swaraj India
24. LaMakaan
25. Chetna Andolan
26. Paigam Network
27. ALIFA, Aurangabad
28. Ramjeewan, SYM
29. ALIFA Aurangabad
30. Kailash Ram, Khet Majdur Kisan Sangram Samiti
31. People’s Alliance
32. Nanga Baiga Jan Shakti Sangathan
33. Jai Adivasi Yuva Sangathan (JAYS)
34. Utkal Sarvodaya Mandal
35. Shramik Mukti Dal
36. Pratinidhi Sanstha
37. Samita Snehi, Loktantrik Rastriya
38. Sanjha Sanskritik Manch
39. Mahendra, Mirzapur Forum
40. Kosar Jahan, Sagathin Kisan Mazdoor Sangathan, Sitapur

41.Bhundhelkhand Dalit Adhikar Manch

42. Awadh Youth Collective
43. UP Land Forum
44. Delhi Forum, New Delhi
45. Uttarakhand Mahila manch
46. Himal Prakriti
47. Samadrusti MEDIA
48. All India Yuva Bharat
49. Bihar Ambedkar Vidyarthi Manch (BASF)
50. National Youth Equity Forum (NYEF)
51. Vijay Kumar, Loktantrik Manch (MP)
52. Himdhara Collective

Individuals:

1. Advocate Taniya Laskar, Assam
2. Rupa Mehta, Gujarat
3. Maimoona AM, New Delhi
4. Paromita Dutta, West Bengal
5. Shahista Khan, Rajasthan
6. Elina Horo, Jharkhand
7. Ranjana Padhi, Orissa
8. Amrita Howlader, West Bengal
9. Nazma Iqbal, Uttrakhand
10. Arvind Murti, UP
11. Shadab, UP
12. Shabana Diler, Maharashtra
13. Poushali Basak, West Bengal
14. Nisha Biswas, West Bengal
15. Hameedullah Shaik, Andhra Pradesh
16. Kausar Ansari, Maharashtra
17. Saddik Hussain Barlaskar, Assam
18. Hasina, Maharashtra
19. Maivish, Maharashtra
20. Shaista, Maharashtra
21. Gulshad, Maharashtra
22. Biraj, Maharashtra
23. Pooja, Maharashtra
24. Heman, Gujarat
25. Maanasee Hatkar, Haryana
26. Shivam Kumar, UP
27. Atul, Uttrakhand
28. Arshad Ali, UP
29. Sitara, Rajasthan
30. Rajesh Ramakrishnan, Tamil Nadu
31. Arundhati Dhuru, UP
32. Neetisha Xalxo, Jharkhand
33. Mohit Chatterjee, West Bengal
34. Prakash Louis, Bihar
35. Rupali Jadhav, Maharashtra
36. Roop Rekha Verma, UP
37. Hamza, Maharashtra
38. Sujatha Guthoskar, Maharashtra
39. Anand Mazgaonkar, Gujarat
40. Susan John, Kerala
41. Ranjana Kanhere, Maharashtra
42. Retd. Professor, JNU
43. Father Tony, Jharkhand
44. Malti Deshmukh, Maharashtra
45. Lokesh Malti Prakash, Madhya Pradesh
46. Ashish Ranjan, Bihar
47. Qamar, New Delhi
48. Shanda, Uttrakhand
49. Vinay, Uttrakhand
50. Mahender Mishra, UP
51. Satyalaxmi Rao, Bengaluru
52. Navsharan Singh, New Delhi
53. Tajammul, UP
54. Richa Singh, UP
55. Vidyun S, New Delhi
56. Kanupriya, Chandigarh
57. Kamaxi Bhate, Maharashtra
58. Prerna, Maharashtra
59. Shweta, New Delhi
60. Lal Prakash Raahi, UP
61. Dashrath Jadhav, Maharashtra
62. Abu Taher Sheikh, Assam
63. Sarfaraz, Bihar
64. Individual, New Delhi
65. Sujit Ghosh, New Delhi
66. Archana Lakra, Jharkhand
67. Sarojini Devi, Punjab
68. DK Bodake, Maharashtra
69. Abhishek Anand, Bihar
70. Dr. Qudsia Anjum, UP
71. Lukman Ali, UP
72. Lal Singh Gamit, Gujarat
73. Sunita, Rajasthan
74. Prithvi R Sharma
75. Individual, Rajasthan
76. Dr. Lata Pujari, Maharashtra
77. Upendra Shankar, Rajasthan
78. Ashutosh, Himachal Pradesh
79. Chanda Nimbkar, Maharashtra
80. Dattatray D Kenjale, Maharashtra
81. Individual, Maharashtra
82. Pramod Majumdar, Maharashtra
83. Rajan Kumbhar Artist, Maharashtra
84. Vandana Palsane, Maharashtra
85. Salokha, Maharashtra
86. Individual, MP
87. Tarique Shafique, UP
88. Anwesh Bhattacharya, West Bengal
89. Gurmeet, UP
90. Gufran, UP
91. Sister Maya, Rajasthan
92. Maruti Bansode, Maharashtra
93. Tanu Rastogi, Uttarakhand
94. Samiksha Ratnapal Lote, Maharashtra
95. Individual, West Bengal
96. Sudarshana Chakraborty, West Bengal
97. JK, Maharashtra
98. Raja bhaiya, UP
99. Harsh bhakuni, Uttrakhand
100. Sho/Sohini, Jan Jagran Shakti Sangathan

The post Stop using politics of hate to hide failure to protect women and their rights: Open Letter to Uttarakhand Govt appeared first on SabrangIndia.

On February 13, a mother and her daughter were burnt alive during an encroachment clearing drive in Dehat village of Kanpur; the incident that killed a 44-year-old mother and her 21-year-old daughter had triggered massive tension between police and the villagers. A few days earlier, on February 7, in Karnataka’s Koppal district, a Dalit woman was beaten with slippers and abused by an upper-caste man when she entered his property to get her cow back. The animal had apparently strayed inside the man’s land. Early in January, a thirty-year-old Adivasi woman belonging to the Oraon tribe was allegedly raped and killed by forest department officials in Bihar’s Rohtas district while she was gathering firewood in a forested area near Rohtasgarh Fort. Not long ago, the photos of over one hundred Muslim women, including journalists and activists, were displayed on an app saying they were for sale, to humiliate and intimidate them. In September 2020, the gang-rape of a 19-year-old Dalit girl in Hathras UP tore at the conscience of the nation. Sadly, a few days ago on March 2, a court in UP acquitted three of the four accused men; the fourth was found guilty only of culpable homicide not amounting to murder and under sections of the SC/ST Act but not of rape!

All these heinous crimes against women were reported by some media, in a matter-of-fact way, as though such violations are expected. The tragedy is that these incidents are not one-offs; they are representative of a systemic wrong that exists in a highly patriarchal society, structured on caste, which thrives on a chauvinistic mind-set. According to a 2018 survey by the prestigious Thomson Reuters Foundation, India is the most dangerous country for sexual violence against women. The status of women in India is abysmal: the World Economic Forum (WEF) ranked India at 135 out of 146 countries in its Global Gender Gap (GGG) Index for 2022. India’s National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB)  in its latest report shows that, crime against women rose by 15.3 per cent in 2021 from the previous year, with 4,28,278 cases registered last year following 3,71,503 cases in 2020. The NCRB report also shows that the rate of crime against women (number of incidents per 1 lakh population) increased from 56.5 per cent in 2020 to 64.5 per cent in 2021. All this is certainly a crying shame for a country, which today holds the Presidency of the G-20, and is also desperately trying to propel itself to be the world leader- with plenty of cover-ups and cosmetics!

As another International Women’s Day (IWD) dawns, there will be the usual round of cosmetic programmes, the plethora of speeches reeking in tokenism; male speaker after speaker will wax eloquent with that typically patronising attitude towards women. The sad and cruel reality is that precious little seems to change. In India, most women continue to be condemned to live as second-class citizens in patriarchal and male-dominated societies. Male domination continues in all the major religions!

Interestingly the campaign theme for IWD 2023 and beyond is to #EmbraceEquity. The concept notes states that, “Equity isn’t just a nice-to-have, it’s a must-have. A focus on gender equity needs to be part of every society’s DNA…Equity means creating an inclusive world…Each one of us can actively support and embrace equity within our own sphere of influence…. We can all challenge gender stereotypes, call out discrimination, draw attention to bias, and seek out inclusion. Collective activism is what drives change. From grassroots action to wide-scale momentum, we can all embrace equity. Forging gender equity isn’t limited to women solely fighting the good fight. Allies are incredibly important for the social, economic, cultural, and political advancement of women…. Everyone everywhere can play a part”.

Significantly, February 14 was also the anniversary of the ‘One Billion Rising’ movement. It is the biggest mass action to end violence against women (cisgender, transgender, and those who hold fluid identities that are subject to gender-based violence) in human history. The campaign, which launched on Valentine’s Day 2012, began as a call to action based on the staggering statistic that 1 in 3 women on the planet will be beaten or raped during her lifetime. With the world population at 7 billion, this adds up to more than one billion women and girls. The Theme of the campaign for 2023 is ‘Rise for Freedom’. The campaign states that, “this year we call on the world to rise for freedom. freedom from patriarchy and from all its progeny…. capitalism, impunity, poverty, oppression, division, exploitation, shame, control, individualism, greed, violence…and in this rising…create the new culture.”

True there have been (and are) several women who have had the courage to embrace equity and to create this new culture. The list is endless but includes the likes of Savitribai Phule, widely regarded as the country’s first woman teacher. She died on March 10, 1897.She is credited with laying the foundation of education opportunities for women in India and played a major role in the struggle for women’s rights in the country during the British rule. She was a poet too; her poems were against discrimination and of the need for education. For most of her life, she campaigned vigorously against untouchability, the tradition of sati, child marriage and other social evils, which affect women. In one of her poems she writes, “end misery of the oppressed and forsaken…break the chains of caste.” Along with her was Fatima Sheikh who was India’s first female Muslim teacher Together Savitribai and Fatima spearheaded an educational revolution in the 1800s. Fatima Sheikh played an essential role in starting the country’s first girls’ school. In 1848, Jyotirao and Savitribai Phule were asked to leave their home due to their anti-Brahmanical views. At that time, educating women and the lower caste was considered a sin. Along with her brother, Usman Sheikh, Fatima Sheikh gave refuge to them and started the school from the same building. Sheikh even undertook a teacher’s training course along with Phule to assist her in managing the educational institution.

In our midst today, we have Justice B V Nagarathna who is making waves in the Supreme Court!  Recently, she pronounced two dissenting judgements; both were verdicts of 4:1. The other four who opined were all male judges! Justice Nagarathna has however been unflinching and undeterred: her views have certainly not gone unnoticed Both the print and the electronic media (including the majority pro- establishment ones ) have provided the space and given the necessary coverage to her views There are several editorials and op-eds singing paeans to her judgements – with legal luminaries, academics and other intellectuals vying with each other to critique her judgements and at the same time provide grist to the mill. The Supreme Court is still a male bastion. Being a lone woman on a bench with four other men, is perhaps not very easy. It requires grit and determination to think differently!  Justice BV Nagarathna has undoubtedly proved that her ability to stand up to men who call the shots, is no flash- in- the- pan! She already seems to have broken the glass ceiling!

Then we have the horrendous tragedy of twenty-one years ago, which engulfed Gujarat.  Bilkis Bano experienced it all. Following the burning of the S-6 compartment and tragic death of 59 persons (mainly ‘kar sevaks’) on February 27, 2002, all hell broke loose, the next day, in several parts of Gujarat. Sensing trouble, a group of seventeen persons fled their native village of Radhikpur in Dahod district. The group comprised Bilkis, her three-year-old daughter Saleha, her mother and fourteen others. They took refuge in another village Chhaparvad hoping they would be safe there. On March 3, however, they were attacked by about 20-30 people armed with sickles, swords, and sticks. Among the attackers were the eleven accused men, just set free. Bilkis, her mother, and three other women were raped and brutally assaulted. Of the seventeen Muslims, eight were found dead, six were missing. Only Bilkis, a man, and a three-year-old child survived the attack. Bilkis was unconscious for at least three hours; after she regained consciousness, she borrowed clothes from an Adivasi woman made her way to the Limkheda police station to register a complaint. The Head Constable there, according to the CBI, “suppressed material facts and wrote a distorted and truncated version of Bilkis’ complaint”.

Bilkis has relived the horror of that tragedy several times over as she unwaveringly narrates the brutality, she was subject too. In great pain she says, “All the 4 men of my family were killed brutally. The women were stripped naked and raped by many men. They caught me top. My 3-year-old daughter, Saleha, was in my arms. They snatched her and threw her into the air with all their might. My heart broke as her little head shattered on the rocks. Four men caught me by the arms and legs and many others entered me one by one. When satisfying their lust, they kicked me and beat my head with a rod. Assuming that I was dead they threw me into the bushes. Four or five hours later I regained my consciousness. I searched for some rags to cover my body, but couldn’t find any. I spent a day and a half on a hilltop without food or water. I longed for death. Finally, I managed to find a tribal colony. Declaring myself as a Hindu I sought shelter there. The men who attacked us used foul language; I can’t repeat it ever. In front of me they killed my mother, sister and 12 other relatives. While raping and killing us, they were shouting sexual abuses. I could not even tell them that I was five months pregnant because their feet were on my mouth and neck. I have known the men who raped me for many years. We sold them milk. They were our customers. If they had any shame, they would not have done this to me. How can I forgive them?”

Her dogged and relentless pursuit for justice ensured that eleven of the perpetrators of this dastardly crime were sentenced to life imprisonment. In a clear travesty of justice on August 15, 2022, they were all given remission to their sentence and set free! Bilkis’ struggle still continues: as she fights so that these criminals are sent back to jail. In a public statement on August 17, 2022, she said “Two days ago on August 15, 2022 the trauma of the past 20 years washed over me again. When I heard that the 11 convicted men who devastated my family and my life, and took from me my 3-year-old daughter, had walked free, I was bereft of words. I am still numb. Today I can only say this- how can justice for any woman end like this? I trusted the highest courts in our land. I trusted the system, and I was learning slowly to live with my trauma. The release of these convicts has taken from me my peace and shaken my faith in justice. My sorrow and my wavering faith is not for myself alone but for every woman who is struggling for justice in courts. No one enquired about my safety and well-being, before taking such a big and unjust decision. I appeal to the Gujarat Government, please undo this harm. Give me back my right to live without fear and in peace. Please ensure that my family and I are kept safe”. Blikis continues to wait for justice!

It has not been easy for Savitribai and Fatima, for Nagarathna and Bilkis and for several other women who have dared the system and worked towards change! These are women who have risen against all odds, ploughed the lonely path and courageously decided to embrace equity. These epitomise the immortal words of Maya Angelou, the American civil rights activist and poet:

Out of the huts of history’s sham, I rise

Up from a past that’s rooted in pain, I rise

I’m a black ocean, leaping and wide,

Welling and swelling I bear in the tide.

Leaving behind nights of terror and fear, I rise

Into a daybreak that’s wondrously clear, I rise

Bringing the gifts that my ancestors gave,

I am the dream and the hope of the slave, I rise!

Yes, Women and Men too, must Arise Now and Embrace Equity!

(Authored on March 6, 2023 by the writer, a a human rights, reconciliation and peace activist/writer)

The post Women & Men too, must arise now and #Embrace Equity! appeared first on SabrangIndia.

Rajasthan has once again been exposed as a state where targeting and attacking women in public places has become common. A video of a mob of men attacking a young woman in the Bharatpur area went viral recently, forcing local police to t now come to light. The girl was attacked and abused by a vigilante mob who was perhaps ‘angered’ that she was ‘talking’ to her male friend. According to Times Now news, this vigilante attack is perhaps a week old, and even though the video has gone viral since then, no arrests have been made.

The disturbing video shows how the young woman is pulled and pushed and attacked by the criminal mob, and her scarf ripped off her face. This is clearly to expose her face, and “shame” her further. According to news reports, the girl was attacked and hurled abuses as she was talking to her boyfriend. The  girl is seen screaming for help, but no one comes to her rescue, in fact onlookers just watch as she is hit and her clothing is pulled.

According to reports the young woman and her friend were sitting in a public place and were talking when the mob descended on them and attacked them. The young man managed to flee the spot but the woman was caught in the middle of the mob which surrounded her quickly. Zeenews reported that the local police have said that matter would be investigated, and the culprits will be brought to justice. The police station-in-charge of the area was also directed to look into the matter. However, no arrests have been made. This is not the first incident of such vigilante attacks reported from the state. It is yet to be reported if the woman has been given medical help for her injuries and mental trauma, nor is there information on the further action taken by the authorities in this case. The police in their official response, have reportedly said that matter would be investigated, and the culprits will be brought to justice. 

This comes close on the hees of anther horrific crime reported from Rajasthan, recently where a rape accused set his victm ablaze, in the Hanumangarh district of Rajasthan. The accused here was out on bail, and the man had allegedly raped the woman two years ago. The accused has been identified as Pradeep Bishnoi, who has been arrested based on a complaint by the victim’s grandmother. 

Related:

Woman set ablaze by man who had raped her two years ago

Rajasthan man accused of murdering daughter for eloping with a Dalit

The Question of Bahujan Women

Hathras: Man accused of sexual assault, shoots father outside village temple

Dalit teenager killed, body dumped in Aligarh field

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डीएम ऑफिस परिसर में लाठीचार्ज होते ही भगदड़ मच गई। इस दौरान महिलाएं निर्वस्त्र भी हो गईं। कई महिलाएं जमीन पर गिर गईं। कुछ महिलाओं के गोद में बच्चे थे। वे जमीन पर गिर गए। बच्चों को भी चोटें आई। पुलिस ने घसीटते हुए सभी महिलाओं को वहां से बाहर निकाला। लाठीचार्ज और पत्थरबाजी में आधा दर्जन से अधिक महिलाओं को चोटें आईं।

पुलिस की बर्बरता इतनी भयावह थी कि देखने वालों की रूह कांप गई। पुलिस ने अनशन पर बैठे जन संसद के सदस्यों को भी खदेड़ा और उनका टेंट- शामियाना उखाड़ कर कब्जे में ले लिया।
 

 
आपको बता दें कि कलेक्ट्रेट परिसर में चार दिन से भूमिहीनों को जमीन का पर्चा दिलाने की मांग को लेकर अनशन पर बैठे थे जब चार दिन तक प्रशासन नहीं चेता तो लोगों के सब्र का बांध टूटने लगा। करीब 250 से 300 की संख्या में महिला पुरुष जब डीएम के चैंबर में घुसने का प्रयास करने लगे। 
 

 
इसकी जानकारी मिलते ही तिलकामांझी पुलिस मौके पर पहुंची और लाठी भांज कर खदेड़ना शुरू कर दिया। थोड़ी देर बाद सदर एसडीओ कुमार अनुज, डीएसपी सिटी शहरयार अख्तर आदि पुलिस बल के साथ पहुंचे और लाठीचार्ज का आदेश दिया। लोग इधर-उधर भागने लगे। कई लोगों के चप्पल-जूते और शॉल डीएम ऑफिस परिसर में पड़े मिले। 
 

Courtesy: National Dastak
 

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