Rewari gangrape

Nemesis catching up with the accused in the Rewari gangrape case in Haryana that took place three years back will offer a glimmer of hope in a state that has earned notoriety for a spate of crimes against women. That the criminal justice system can function with effectiveness will come as consolation to the affected family. The incident was initially marked by police apathy which resulted in delayed action, following which officers were suspended and a Special Investigation Team (SIT) was formed. As per the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), the chargesheet filing rate in Haryana, an indicator of police performance, was among the lowest in the country, along with the low conviction rate in cases of crimes against women, as also the pendency of such cases in courts. The State Commission for Women has now demanded that all these cases be investigated by special teams.

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But some questions will remain. That the girl had to travel to another town for coaching meant the absence of such facilities locally. In its rush for development, Haryana would do well not to neglect its rural areas and provide them with the required wherewithal. Some of the accused were also known to the girl. The girl’s family also had to face isolation in the village, not a healthy social trend as it perpetuates the process of victim-shaming.

For a state that has been according high priority to empowerment of women, quick action in such cases will inspire confidence. Haryana has produced a string of sportswomen who have brought glory to the country through their performances. That they receive encouragement and support might be a good sign but the state would need to go beyond that and curb the increasing incidence of crimes against women to boost its image. The Rewari incident was not in isolation. Other towns have also reported instances of heinous crimes against women with regularity. Clamping down on them and ensuring justice will help restore public confidence in the system.