The Hathras Gang Rape Case: An Analysis of Systemic Injustice and Opposition
The Hathras gang rape case in 2020 is a case that highlights not only the deep-rooted societal issues of caste discrimination but also the failures of the legal and judicial systems in India. This article delves into the background, the investigation, the protesters' actions, and the ongoing judicial processes.
Background of the Hathras Gang Rape
This incident occurred in Hathras, a district in Uttar Pradesh, India, where a young Dalit girl of 19 years old was gang raped by four men from the Thakur caste, one of the highest castes in the Hindu social hierarchy. The girl suffered severe injuries, including a broken spinal cord and partial amputation of her tongue.
Crucial Failures in Investigation and Response
The failure to promptly and adequately investigate this case is one of the most striking aspects. At the time of the incident, the police station's in-charge was allegedly arrogant and refused to file a report, humiliating the victim and her mother. It took six days for the police to file a report and over ten days to arrest the perpetrators. Furthermore, the Supreme Court of India scrutinized the matter, noting crucial oversights such as the lack of semen sample collection and the failure of medical personnel to collect such evidence within the mandated timeframe.
Incompetent Doctors and Legal Murder
The victim, in a severely deteriorated condition, had to be transferred from a nearby hospital to SafdarJung Hospital in Delhi. When she passed away on September 29th, the police reportedly cremated her body without the permission of her family, adding to the emotional and psychological trauma. Initial investigations suggested rape, strangulation, and blunt force trauma, indicating that the victim had likely resisted. The police and local government officials labeled the incident as fake news, asserting that there was no rape. This blatant disregard for the dignity and human rights of the deceased was a significant transgression.
Systemic Failure of the Justice System
The response from the justice system was equally dubious. The senior police officials inexplicably supported their colleagues' actions, categorizing the death as inevitable due to injuries and instead impugning the victim. The Agra District Magistrate was adamant about the lack of rape and unilaterally classified the case as a hoax. Ineffectiveness, authoritarianism, and an overarching caste bias were evident in the actions of the officials who either supported or looked the other way during this crisis.
Protests and Continued Victim Blaming
The protest against the conviction of the accused drew significant attention, with right-wing groups like the Vishwa Hindu Parishad, Bajrang Dal, and Karni Sena joining the fray. These groups used their influence to counter the justice and assert their narrative of 'innocence' of the victims belonging to the upper caste. The lawyer representing the accused, A P Singh, echoed sentiments similar to those propagated in the Nirbhaya rape case, further perpetuating toxic patriarchy and victim-blaming culture.
Upcoming Challenges and Hope for Reforms
The legal proceedings have been drawn out, with new laws mandating the completion of trials within two months. However, as of September 2022, the trial has yet to conclude. The inefficiency and inaction of the authorities have raised questions about the efficacy of the judicial system and the need for meaningful reforms. The crux of the issue lies in the systemic caste-based oppression and the failures of institutions designed to uphold justice and equality.