The victim told The Hindu she had received overwhelming support from her theatre community. "I am getting unconditional support even from people whom I do not know."
The alleged assault on a 32-year-old Manipuri theatreperson by a traffic constable here on Wednesday has kept Internet forums and social media abuzz, with many expressing outrage over the incident, and others narrating their experiences, insecurities and fears.
Netizens shared links to news articles on the incident and spoke up against the perceived callousness of the police. Many demanded immediate legal action against the traffic constable as well as the bystanders who abused the woman.
An online petition started by the victim’s friend on avaaz.org to be submitted to the Chief Minister and the Police Commissioner speaks of seeking legal action. About 600 people had signed the petition by Saturday night expressing their support for the victim and, more importantly, to address the larger issue about how safe the city is for women.
The incident
The victim was driving home from work when a speeding motorcycle rear-ended her car at a traffic junction on DVG Road in Basavanagudi. When she approached a traffic constable after being verbally abused by the rider and a group of passersby, the constable allegedly grabbed her by her shoulders and pushed her aside even as the mob allegedly groped her. He also allegedly slapped her later.
The petition said: “When the police turn perpetrators it renders the system impotent. Joining a mob and assaulting a lone woman, allowing an offender to get away and watching a woman being heckled by a mob is not merely negligence of duty but a sign that there is larger malaise in our society. It is about time we take action and demand a safe environment for women and minorities who are constantly threatened by both lumpen elements in society as well as by the police who are there to protect them.”
Overwhelming support
The victim told The Hindu she had received overwhelming support from her theatre community. “I am getting unconditional support even from people whom I do not know.”
“The reason I want to stand up for this is because it addresses the larger context of how [safe] the streets are for women and shows the hostility against women drivers. I want to follow this up because it throws light on the shrinking space for women in Bangalore,” she said.
However, she also expressed disappointment over the fact that the police have not been informing her about any developments in the investigation.
‘Many are victims’
Referring to the incident, one such online supporter Deepthi Shekhar, a teacher, said such incidents were happening to a lot of people, with many people facing bystanders’ fury. However, none of the media reports have taken the constable’s version and there is a need to give him a fair chance too. “I signed the petition as several such cases are not reported and need to be highlighted,” she said.
Meanwhile, Deputy Commissioner of Police (South) H.S. Revanna said the police could not comment on the matter until the investigations were completed.
The Manipuri artist was not only slapped and groped but to add insult to injury was told if she cannot speak Kannada, she cannot be there.
This is in direct contrast to what another theatre artist Mr. Praksah Belvadi proudly said, “We are making mistakes. But we will not give up, neither will the city ever allow a Bal Thackeray-like person to be born here,” he said. " (As per reports in this Newspaper)
It is sad his comments were proved untrue. Sad but it is true.
That police constable in the picture must be dismissed from service and
other hooligans in the picture who showed offensive and obscene gestures
must be booked under proper sections. These people should be ordered to
give an apology to the lady and must be made to do community service for
some duration.
Police has to be more responsible and should be penalized severly. Because they are paid and trained using our tax payers money to learn about our criminal laws. They are more knowledgeable and guard[god] to protect the law. The whole incident looks like police are trained to harrass the public. More and more incidents like this makes the public feel police department a menace. Police guard[god] save the police and the public by taking immediate action.
I am more than happy to support too..!!
Its a pity that people who are trusted to safeguard law and order behave as hooligans...!! Many such incidents escape unnoticed. Bengaluru has lost its respectful status of city which was so good in the erstwhile years... its a pity!! I hope people would highlight these incidents or else these uncouth people enjoy our ignorance.
We must hang our heads in shame that an incident of this sort can occur in this day and age. It reflects how small and closed our minds have become - where is the respect for other people that our culture is all about?
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