No civil society or activists came to Unnao girl's rescue: Her story 'didn't suit' them

By Vidya Bhushan Rawat*
The Unnao story is the failure of the Indian system and deep-rooted corruption and nepotism inside it. The girl was fighting a lone battle over a year, especially after she accused Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA Kuldip Singh Sengar of raping her. The party did not bothered to take any action against Sanger. And it is equally surprising that, in the city of Unnao, nothing appears to have happened.
In fact, the tragedy was our focus, but nobody seemed to find out as to why Unnao has been so silent; it is a sad commentary on our poor sensibilities about her. Yet, the fact is, she has come out as a brave girl and must be saluted for persisting her case. And this alone has become her biggest crime.
Her father was tortured in police custody and died. Her uncles and aunts have also met with the same fate. She is now battling for her life in a hospital in Lucknow. The neta who should have been facing rape charges and behind the bars a year ago has been let loose by the state, and this is surely not possible without enjoying the protection and patronage of the highest order.
The neta, who has been "suspended", has remained in BJP, a party which had shouted from rooftops, with its supporters virtually bringing India to a standstill during the Nirbhaya case. They are shamelessly silent today. The women leaders, who were so quick on Azam Khan's abominable statement for which he tendered his apology, have sealed their lips. Does this girl not belong to India? Does she not have a right to live life with dignity?

Unnao BJP MLA

I know living a life of dignity for her will be very difficult, because as a nation and a society we are hypocrites. She is fighting it out despite all odds against her. No civil society, no activists came to her rescue, perhaps because her story was “not suitable” to them. However, the incident two days back, in which she and her family were attacked in a planned manner, is an eye opener.
Thugs, masquerading as politicians, are hatching conspiracies. This is the chilling example of what our netas can do to eliminate you if you come in their way. The whole thing looks like a thriller from some Bollywood film.
Who can trust the police, which may have been provided to you for your security? Reports are coming in that the security given to this brave girl actually informed the goons of the MLA, and this helped him planned the attack meticulously.
Where are we heading to? We have not heard much from any of the top leaders of BJP. They would surely rubbish the dastardly attack as any a story concocted to embarrass the government, but they wouldn’t answer as to why this MLA remained in the party for so long, why he was not arrested earlier and why the case has not been expedited.
And why have people in Unnao and its neighouring villages failed to stand up for a girl who is seeking justice? Why have we become so dumb? Will the Rajput Mahasabhas and Karni Senas stand up and speak for the cause of women seeking justice from their own community, and against the neta who tried to kill her and her entire family?
---
*Human rights defender. Source: Author's FB timeline

Comments

Meera Velayudhan said…

Not true

August 05, 2019

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