Report sexual assaults: Sunitha

Sunitha Krishnan has been fighting sexual assaults on women and trafficking of children for the past several years. The video clips of the two sexual assaults she had posted on YouTube on Friday inspired thousands to once again raise their voice against rape.

Why didn’t you complain to the police after receiving the video clips of rapes instead of posting them online?

I wanted the accused to be traced and caught. And they should be shamed, not the victims, by getting their photos circulated in the country.

Do you think there is a Hyderabad connection between the two crimes?

Doesn’t look like but this is not the stage to decide that. The language and accent of the accused indicate they could be from a State like Uttar Pradesh. I hope all of them are caught soon.

What will your next step be?

Collating the data and inputs I received after the video clips went viral on social media. There are other clips too; all of them will be passed on to the Union Home Secretary whom I will meet personally. I hope concrete action follows.

Are you hopeful that the accused will be punished?

First let us see what the government does after witnessing people’s reactions. If nothing happens, I will move the court eventually. If the complaint was made to the police, more than the victim, the accused would have been protected. By posting the video, they are shamed.

What do you think people can do?

I appeal to everyone not to be scared. Please report sexual assaults and crime against women. We must understand that we are living in an unsafe world. To make it safe, everyone should start responding.