Rape Cases Hushed Up In India: U.S. Lawmakers Told


Washington: With India rocked by another sexual assault case, U.S. lawmakers have been told that rape cases are not only being hushed up in the country due to fear and stigma but are also very poorly investigated, many ending up in acquittals.

"In India, rape cases have been hushed up and not reported due to fear and stigma. The cases which are reported are very poorly investigated and many end up in acquittals," Ravi Kant, president of board of directors of non-governmental Shakti Vahini, told lawmakers during a Congressional hearing.

"Brutal rape and subsequent death of a 23-year-old in a crowded area of Delhi, physical and mental torture of a minor housemaid by a highly qualified MNC employee, mysterious death of a tribal girl employed as a domestic help are all instances that have shocked and shook the public conscience in India and have led to massive outpouring of anger," Kant said.

India, being a predominantly patriarchal society, has seen manifestations of violence against women in various forms, Kant told the hearing.

"While some occurred in broad daylight, some happened within the four walls of our houses, nicely hidden in the pretence of morals and tradition. While in India, a country with a large section of people and almost all religions pray to goddesses, we have also high rates of violence against women in various forms," he said.

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Source: PTI