Escalating Rape Cases: Protesters Call 'Bangalore Bandh'


BANGALORE: The Bangalore bandh on the 31st of July is an initiation taken by over 50 kannada organizations in order to curb and protest against the rise in rape and abuse against women and children. The government has tightened up security with reports that 17000 policemen have been deployed to various parts of the city.

The request by the organizations gained traction from the government for the bandh to be carried out. The march is expected to be made from Town Hall to the Chief Minister's house. The protesters have a memorandum which they will present to the Minister, which contains requirements, punishments and measures to help save women and children and fight the rise in sexual abuse in the city. The people are also making the walk to protect the name of the city and bring safety back to its streets.

This bandh comes as an outcry to the disgusting and disgraceful acts of rape committed on a 22 year old and a 15 year old girl in separate incidents in the city. The other incident of the rape of a six year old girl in a school brought parents and workers alike to the streets to raise a voice against the outrageous acts and hope to send out a message to rapists that rape will not be taken lightly, that it will be paid severely. These issues have escalated over the past weeks and to bring an end to these acts is the sole purpose of the protest walk.

Vatal Nagaraj, head of the forum of pro-Kannada organizations, said: "Barring essential services like milk and drugs, we are requesting others to shut down. We won't be allowing any vehicle to move in or out of the city. In fact, we are expecting vehicles owners' associations to support us in our cause," as reported by TOI.

The Kannada organizations which have the support of teachers, workers, professional employees and students hope to bring awareness and end this shame on the city. As in the words of Paksha leader Vatal Nagaraj as report by the Hindu says, "We will not allow the city to be called a 'rape city'. Through this bandh, we want to seek public support to fight against this menace". The Bandh is not to be a violent one but they hope that shops and companies will cooperate. The bandh will end at 6 in the evening.

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