The state of Jharkhand is witnessing a surge in violent crimes against women, with the sub-capital, Dumka, reporting two horrifying gang-rape cases within a 48-hour period. These incidents cast a shadow over government initiatives designed to protect and empower women.
The first incident unfolded in the Raneshwar police station jurisdiction. Eight individuals, some of whom were minors, assaulted two adolescent girls returning home from a fair that followed Durga Puja festivities. One girl was reportedly molested, while the other was gang-raped by a group of the attackers in a remote location.
Law enforcement immediately responded to the incident, apprehending the eight suspects and launching an investigation. The victim received medical attention, and the legal process is underway.
A second incident, which occurred just a day before, took place in the Hansdiha police station area. A young woman was deceptively invited to a Dandiya Night event, where she was brutally gang-raped by three men. The perpetrators bound her and filmed the assault, threatening to disseminate the video if she spoke out.
After the attackers left her in a weakened state, the young woman bravely reported the incident to the police, who have since arrested the three suspects and confiscated the video evidence.
These two heinous acts have led to renewed concerns about the effectiveness of law enforcement and the safety of women in Jharkhand. The contrasting picture of government initiatives aimed at economic empowerment and the reality of rising crime rates highlights the urgent need for enhanced security measures to protect women at the grassroots level.