The allegations, ’A girl is far more responsible for rape than a boy’ and ‘She should not have fought back and allowed the rape’ are excuses nonchalantly made by one of the rapists of the notorious incident in 2012. Jyoti Singh’s bus gang rape is a story known by many. Indeed, the incident, that sets as a reminder on how India has failed to protect its women, is a tragic one. This case may only affect an individual, but it incorporates the voices of the whole female population in India. Instead of looking at the fact that she was delivering justice, she was scrutinised for being vocal.
Who is Jyoti Singh, or more famously known as Nirbhaya (fearless)? She was a 23-year-old who had the determination to achieve a great deal in life. Unfortunately, she was attacked and raped by five men. In the establishment of New Delhi of India, she was waiting for a bus to Dwarka. Soon after, they boarded a chartered bus in where the passengers started passing lecherous comments at Jyoti after the doors of the bus was shut. Her male friend was attacked to the the point of unconsciousness. Jyoti also met the same fate before being gang raped ruthlessly. After the rapists were satisfied, both of the victims were thrown out of the bus. As if the brutal act was not enough, they attempted to drive the bus over her.
Shockingly, one of the rapists has bluntly explained that the rape was not their fault. He added that she should not have fought back while being raped. These beasts have no rights to force themselves onto another woman. He denied that he was involved in the rape until strong DNA evidence was found, contradicting his testimony. He tried to free himself from something he committed. This proved how irresponsible he is, and how cowardly of a man he embodies.
Out of the six criminals, Ram Singh who was the main perpetrator, was found hanging in Tihar Jail. After a nine month trial, a death penalty was sentenced to the rest of the criminals- who are: Mukesh Singh, Vinay Sharma, Akshay Thakur, and Pawan Gupta. Astonishingly, the most brutal offender was sentenced to the least lethal punishment. Although, they have been sentenced, there is almost no justice that comes from the light punishments, compared to the heavy crimes they committed.
Jyoti’s story was portrayed in a documentary film, known as ‘India’s Daughter’. However, the Government of India had banned this film from airing in India or on Youtube because it created a great deal of discussion in India globally on the subject of the safety of women. If the government is worried about reputation, they should find better ways of ensuring protection. The documentary film was banned because it opposed the law. It is based on a true story and therefore, naturally, has the right to be shared with others. Culture is set by humans, and it differs from time to time. Therefore, a woman should have liberty to live their lives as they please. The stereotypical image of a woman that society creates should vanish, once and for all. Women are not docile to men, regardless of what her appearance may suggest.
If there can be debates going on in the Indian parliament regarding this issue, then why are the public abstained from doing the same? If it causes an uproar in the country’s peace, then why is it a heated discussion in the realm of politics? If we do feel that Jyoti is fearless, then why not prove it? Why is the truth suppressed when the silence was already broken by Jyoti? Jyoti might not be here no more, but the echoes of her cries are still clearly heard by women.
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