Rape

"You're not a victim for sharing your story. You are a survivor setting the world on fire with your truth. And you never know who needs your light, your warmth, and raging courage."

- Alex Elle

On December 16, 2012, a heinous crime shook the nation, sparking widespread outrage and protests. The brutal gang rape and murder of a 23-year-old paramedic student, later referred to as Nirbhaya (meaning "fearless" in Hindi), exposed the dark underbelly of India's patriarchal society and highlighted the urgent need for change. I happened to be the Joint Secretary in UT Division of Ministry of Home Affairs in New Delhi in India at that point of time when this unfortunate incident took place. As the officer-in-charge dealing with Delhi Police in Home Affairs, I was assigned the task of monitoring the progress of investigations by Delhi police and all related aspects of the case.

On that fateful night, Nirbhaya and her male friend boarded a private bus in South Delhi, heading home after watching a movie. The bus, however, took a different route, and the occupants, including the driver, began taunting and harassing the couple. When Nirbhaya's friend tried to intervene, he was beaten, and Nirbhaya was dragged to the back of the bus, where six men brutally raped her.

The perpetrators then threw the victims off the bus, leaving them for dead. Nirbhaya suffered severe internal injuries, including damage to her intestines and reproductive organs. She was rushed to a hospital, where she fought for her life for 13 days before succumbing to her injuries on December 29, 2012.

The Nirbhaya episode sent shockwaves across India, triggering massive protests, candlelight vigils, and demands for justice. The government, under pressure, established a three-member committee to suggest reforms to combat gender-based violence.

Nirbhaya's courage and resilience have inspired a movement against gender-based violence in India. Her case has led to increased awareness, changes in laws and policies, and a growing demand for women's safety and empowerment. In 2019, the Indian government launched the Nirbhaya Fund to support initiatives aimed at ensuring women's safety and dignity.

The Nirbhaya episode was a watershed moment in India's fight against gender-based violence. It exposed the deep-rooted patriarchal attitudes and sparked a national conversation about women's rights and safety. While there is still much work to be done, Nirbhaya's legacy continues to inspire and drive change, ensuring that her memory is not forgotten.

This small book is my tribute to the brave girl Nirbhaya and my sincere attempt to understand various aspects of the "rape". As a practicing advocate also, this social malady captivates my attention to look deeper.