I came to Bangalore from Kolkata four years ago after I got a job here. It feels safer to stay in a paying guest (PG) accommodation because there are other people around. I would have loved to have my own place, but this feels more secure.
But when I travel, I am always on alert, especially after I have heard of rising incidents of violence against women in the city. I ensure that I get home at a reasonable hour at night. I don’t like to walk alone at night; I feel safer travelling in groups. If it gets too late, and if I am out for dinner at a friend’s place, I stay over for the night instead of returning to my PG.
To be fair, the caretakers try to give us as much freedom as possible. But, because of the recent incidents, they’ve been compelled to lock the gates by 11 p.m. They do not, at any cost, allow male visitors. We have to take prior permission if we are bringing in a girlfriend.
Food is provided in the PG, though we do eat out once in a while. I know many girls who take house on rent as they are not satisfied with the PG accommodations they get, but I was lucky to find one that I liked.
I have realised that women aren’t safe anywhere as no one really cares about their safety. The police are not of much help, and safety is in our hands alone.
I was once molested by an autorickshaw driver when getting back home. I used my heavy bag to hit him and freed myself. I could not go to the police as I could not take down the autorickshaw number or any other identification.
When I have to travel back home, I am very scared. I try to keep as low a profile as possible. I don’t talk much or call too much attention to myself.
(As told to K.C. Deepika)
