Title: Shocking Incidents of Women Dragged Naked in India Prompt Outcry from Activists
Activists are sounding the alarm over a disturbing trend of women being dragged naked in India, with cases of sexual assault on women being described as significantly underreported due to shame.
The latest incident occurred earlier this month in Hosa Vandamuri village in Belagavi district of Karnataka, where a 42-year-old woman named Sasikala was dragged naked through the streets, tied to an electric pole, and beaten for several hours. This horrific attack was carried out as punishment for running away with her 24-year-old boyfriend, who was 18-year-old.
The incident sparked national outrage and led to over ten arrests in connection with the brutal attack. The local police officer has also been fired for “dereliction of duty.”
This is not an isolated incident, as similar attacks have occurred in other parts of India. In July 2023, two Kuki tribal women in Manipur were stripped and dragged, prompting widespread protests.
Activists and legal experts are calling for stronger legislation to combat such heinous crimes against women, pointing out that the current laws are grossly inadequate in addressing these issues.
The National Crime Records Bureau’s database lists acts of undressing under a general description of “assault with intent to abuse a woman’s modesty and feelings of fear,” with 83,344 cases registered against 85,300 women in the past year alone.
With cases of assault on women often under-reported due to shame, activists are emphasizing the need for a collective responsibility to prevent such heinous crimes. They are also calling for a shift in societal attitudes and the need to raise better boys who do not associate a woman’s body with her dignity.
The alarming trend of women being dragged naked in India has prompted widespread outcry and calls for action to address the root causes of these disturbing acts of violence.