A victory rally or a propaganda campaign is often seen. In fact, the police gears up with bandobast measures to thwart attempts to obstruct the political shows of strength. However, Dalits who wished to take out a rally to protest the brutal rape of a minor were not only denied permission but also cited the “spread of corona” as a valid reason to abort the march.
“It is obvious. Truth cannot be paraded but lies can advance through,” stated MLA Jignesh Mevani. The episode is linked to the gruesome rape of a 14-year-old minor from the Dalit community on March 7. The victim is in critical condition in a local hospital. To protest the same, various sections of the society planned a “Women Honor” rally on Monday at the victim’s native Dandhuka town. However, the rally came through only after much non-compliance by the police.
Women and members from different walks of life gathered to protest the deteriorating law and order situation in the state. A letter to monitor the probe in a fast-track court and appoint special officers to conduct the same was submitted to various provincial heads. “Unless we make it clear that such acts are unacceptable, the government will continue with its apathetic attitude,” added the MLA.
The women demanded a bloc-wise assessment of crime rate graphing to identify the most vulnerable sections. “Only after this is made clear, can security provisions and helplines be ascertained. We demand an immediate inquiry. The nexus between the police and such offenders is clear,” added Subodh Parmar of Rashtriya Dalit Adhikar Manch.
Interestingly, he pointed out a similar horrific act in June 2021. “The 16-year-old victim was gangraped. A protest rally to highlight the plight was not granted permission by the police stating the spread of corona. However, a few days later, PM Modi’s arrival and subsequent rallies saw a huge turnout at various places in the state. Where was corona then?”
His question leaves many with no answer.
