Massive protest in Mangalore by Jagruta Mahila Vedike against Deralakatte rape incident
The Jagruta Mahila Vedike, a RSS associated women organisa-tion, on January 9 held a massive protest in Mangalore strongly condemning the recent Deralakatte incident wherein two students were allegedly kidnapped, blackmailed and gangraped. The protest rally was taken out from Dr Ambedkar Circle to Nehru Maidan, where a protest meeting was held.
Addressing the protestors, ABVP national vice president Mamatha Yadav said many women, girls and even men have joined this protest because of the big challenge we are facing– the problem of insecurity and violence faced by women. She said the state and the central governments should open their eyes and solve the problems facing women. These problems cannot be solved in a day but one day or the other we will surely reach our goal. “After the gruesome gang-rape in Delhi in 2012, a similar shameful incident has taken place in Mangalore. Though Justice Verma Committee submitted its recommendations and amendments were made in the rape laws, why are such incidents still continuing? What is the government doing? Women are still living in fear,” Mamatha said adding that in the Deralakatte incident, there was delay in filing rape charges against the accused, which indicates political involvement in the case.
“Mangalore is an educational hub where love Jihad is taking place. Why is the government still mum on this issue? The state government is not taking any action even though it is its responsibility. If the government does not respond, we should kick it out. The government should take the Deralakatte issue seriously and ensure maximum punishment for the culprits, she said.
Sadhvi Matanandamayi of Odiyoor Math said women should be like lion cubs. We should be organised and united. Ashwini, a college student and member of ABVP, also spoke on the occasion.
Dr Kamala Bhat of Rashtra Sevika Samiti read out the demands placed during the protest meet. The demands included that Goonda Act be invoked against the culprits of Deralakatte incident and they should get 20 years in jail. This incident was gruesome, planned by a network of criminals. The incident is a threat to civilised society. Another demand was that case should be tried in a fast track court so that the victim gets justice on priority. Girls should get proper security and there should be no more incidents of assault on them. A special task force should be formed in every district under the guidance of deputy commissioner and superintendent of police. The crime network involved in cases of missing girls in state should also be traced and thorough probe be done in this matter.
Police outposts should be set up in every college having more than 3,000 students and security should be provided to those who raise voice against injustice. A memorandum with these demands was submitted to the Chief Minister and the Governor through DC.
Dr SK Leela presided over the protest meet. RSS leader Shri Dr Kalladka Prabhakar Bhat, MP Nalin Kumar Kateel, S Angara, Capt Ganesh Karnik, Monappa Bhandary, Padmanabha Kottary, Malika Prasad, Pushpalatha Gatti, Sulochana GK Bhat and others were also present during the protest. (VSK Karnataka)
