Raipur Rape Case: Men In Power Must Be Taught That They Can’t Get Away With Everything

Many rape cases in India involve men in positions of power, like a recent case that has emerged in Chattisgarh. Until we have strict implementation of existing laws, this will continue.

A recent piece of news reported a case registered against a local BJP leader in Raipur for allegedly raping a woman when she was teenager. As per the case details, the accused had married her and later abandoned her, in spite of already being married to someone else – besides the fact that marrying a woman under 18 is blatantly illegal and an abuse of power.

The incident occurred in the tribal dominated area of Chhattisgarh. This is not the first or the last time an innocent has been brutalized by a man in a powerful position. In fact it reminds me again of the horrifying Kathua rape case, where the main accused were former government officers and policemen.

Justice is supposed to be equal for all as per the Indian constitution. It should favour only the truth but this is far from the actual scenario. Men in power usually manage to bypass justice by using various means such as bribery, intimidation or power influence. They believe that the law is different for them as they wield power and hence can wreak havoc without a second thought about the consequences.

If there has been a crime committed by a powerful person, the victim or their family might face harassment even for merely filing a case. If the case does get registered, the accused usually manipulates and drags on the case for years to come.  This also financially depletes the victims, not to mention the mental and emotional trauma they would have to go through.

There is a need to bring about a change in the very mindset of the people to stop the dominance by men in powerful position. More strict laws need to be enforced. With proper implementation of the same, it is necessary to ensure they understand that its not just the privileges their position offer but responsibility as well. They should be made aware that they are in no way above the others and hence will not get any preferential treatment if they are found guilty of a crime.

Justice is the fundamental right of every citizen and all are equal in the eyes of law. It is time that this is put in practice. Only then will the abuse of power, by those in influential position, will stop.

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Image Source Unsplash used for representative purposes only

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