A day after the abduction and rape of a five-year-old girl, residents of the locality where the incident took place in K.G. Halli police station limits were surprised to notice on Sunday that around 25 street lights in the neighbourhood had been replaced. They said it was too little, too late.
Taking strong objection to the “apathy” of the authorities, the residents on Sunday took to the streets demanding safety of women and children in the area.
Around 500 people, mostly women and children, marched about 3 km to the crime scene, carrying placards and shouting slogans demanding security for residents.
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Until Saturday, the locality did not have street lights. “We had written numerous letters to the BBMP requesting them to replace the bulbs. However, no action was taken. Now, soon after the incident, the entire area has been lit up. The authorities should take proactive steps to prevent crime,” said Deepa, a resident who organised the protest march.
The incident took place just a few yards away from a police outpost, the protesters said. The area where the crime took place is a civic amenity site earmarked for a park, but it has been encroached upon and converted into a slum, with 150 labourers living in makeshift houses.