Richa Chadha, Kangana Ranaut, And Others Outrage Over Death Of Hathras Gangrape Survivor

Social media has been abuzz since news of the 19-year-old gangrape survivor from Hathras, Uttar Pradesh, succumbing to her injuries broke this morning. The Dalit woman was reportedly raped by four upper-caste men, who brutalised her body by strangling her and causing serious injuries. She passed away in Delhi today, leaving behind a thrum of national outrage and people demanding justice for her.

Many notable personalities, as well as the common public, is mourning the unfortunate event and condemning the widespread extent of rape in the country on social media. Siddharth Nath Singh, Cabinet Minister in the UP government, was quoted saying, "The incident is very saddening. Our government stands with the victim's family. Investigation started immediately and four accused have been arrested. Strict action will be taken. Law will take its own course."

Also Read: Addicted To Bollywood, Media Wakes Up To Hathras Gangrape, Too Late

Film Industry, Politicians Outrage On Social Media

Various leading politicians have taken to Twitter to express the ineffective law and order situation in UP, given the rising number of rapes in the state. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra questioned Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on the scope of women's safety in the state, saying that he was responsible for looking after the alarming level of violence in his state.

Activist Kavita Krishnan brought notice to the "recurring assaults on Dalit women" on Twitter:

The Hathras gangrape victim passed away.
Speak about the reality of assaults on Dalit women and girls. Connect dots, show larger picture of structural violence against Dalits, Dalit women. Don't isolate, exceptionalise this case as a gruesome aberration.

— Kavita Krishnan (@kavita_krishnan) September 29, 2020

Meanwhile, actors Richa Chadha and Kangana Ranaut have voiced their concerns, demanding justice in Hathras gangrape. Chadha brought focus to the rampant casteism, while Ranaut wrote on how we have failed our daughters.

If the use of the word 'dalit' has triggered you more than the barbarity of rape and violence itself, there's a problem don't you think ? We must act together, build a society where caste becomes immaterial and girls have an actual shot at life. RIP 💔 #JusticeForHathrasVictim

— TheRichaChadha (@RichaChadha) September 29, 2020

Shoot these rapists publicly, what is the solution to these gang rapes that are growing in numbers every year? What a sad and shameful day for this country. Shame on us we failed our daughters #RIPManishaValmiki

— Kangana Ranaut (@KanganaTeam) September 29, 2020

Entrepreneur Anand Mahindra pressed upon how rape was the "more dangerous virus" in India, and stepped up to the moment by pledging to offer financial assistance to the family of the deceased.

Rape is the more dangerous virus in our midst. It’s proven to be more pernicious than any other disease. We need swift justice to be administered. The maximum penalty...If her family needs financial support & if a local NGO crowdsources an appeal, I will pledge a contribution. https://t.co/hxDbiEV4PB

— anand mahindra (@anandmahindra) September 29, 2020

Also Read: Uttar Pradesh To Set Up Transgender Welfare Board

Rapes Rising In The Country

Between August and September, there were at least three reported cases of rape from the Lakhimpur Kheri area in UP. In all three incidents, the victim was a minor.

The Tribune reports that its neighbouring state Haryana “has recorded 66 rapes, 62 cases of abduction and 142 incidents of molestation in April this year.” Out of 66, as many as 17 have been gangrapes.