MxMIndia

Tag: gangrape

  • Spare a thought for all those who have suffered sexual assaults – in the last year and before. Let us resolve to fight the ills of society

    A Moment of Silence

     

     

     

    It’s been a horrible year. On December 16, 2012, a young Delhi girl was gangraped and the best of the medical attention and prayers couldn’t save her.

     

    There have been innumerable cases even after that. Some have got highlighted, and the culprit(s) brought to book.

     

    A photojournalist was assaulted when on an assignment in Mumbai, another journalist was victimised by her highprofile editor and mentor on the sidelines of an event in Goa… we could talk about several cases. Rape, molestation, harrassment happen with much regularity.

     

    These have been on since time immemorial, one may argue. Perhaps. But a vigilant news community and a belligerent social media can ensure that the guilty don’t go away a scotfree, thereby acting as a deterrant.

     

    Acts like these require the news media to go beyond being mute observers. Not many may agree with this. Activisty has many negative connotations these days. Whatever. Let’s resolve – this December 16 and on every day of the year – to ensure that women (and men) can live without any fear. In peace.

     

  • 22-year-old photojournalist intern gangraped while on an assignment in a city that prides itself on being safe for women

    Shame!

     

    There are already cynics saying why did the lifestyle magazine have to send a lady photog to the desolate Shakti Mills on an assignment early Thursday evening. That’s an unfair comment, for a male companion did accompany the 22-year-old intern. His presence didn’t really help as he was beaten up.

     

    But, hey, yeh hai Bambai,  said to be one of the safest places for women in India. Bombayites shed crocodile tears at the plight of Dilliwallahs and those living or working in Gurgaon and Noida. Thursday’s incident of the photojournalist gangraped and her companion beaten up is shameful. And this wasn’t in the dead of the night: but before sundown, at around 5.30-6pm.

     

    While we pray for the speedy recovery of both and wish they and their families and friends get the strength in these traumatic times, there is need for worry in the profession. Journalists across the media and especially those on the move need to be on the alert.

     

    People in Mumbai don’t think twice about sitting up till late for work. Travel safe in that 12.17 Virar local from Churchgate or walk to the Elphinstone Road station at 9pm, as the night drop is still an hour away.

     

    It may be tough keeping a watch on all the nooks of a large city, but it’s the police’s job to guarantee us a safe place to live and work.

     

    Meanwhile, even though it’s a journalist from a cultural newsmag, it’s good to see Mumbai dailies take up the issue in a big way. One hopes that the events on the financial and political fronts do not get this off primetime news tonight and until the culprits are caught and punished as per law.

    [updated on August 23, name of magazine where the intern worked was deleted]