Ignored cries: Rising violence against SC/ST women, silence from authorities

Eluru – Andhra Pradesh: The alarming increase in rape and sexual harassment cases against SC and ST women in India raises serious questions about the role of the media, judiciary, and political parties in addressing these atrocities. Bethala Sudarshanam, State President of Bharatiya Buddhist Mahasabha and Samata Sainik Dal Andhra Pradesh, calls for urgent action and independent leadership to protect the dignity and rights of Dalit women.

Letter to President of India

The Buddhist Society of India and Samata Sainik Dal wrote a letter to the President of India on August 29 highlighting the NCRB data and detailing the sexual violence faced by Dalit women, urging for the immediate action.

Shocking statistics reveal rising sexual violence

Recent data from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) paints a grim picture: rape cases against Dalit women surged by 45% between 2015 and 2020. On average, 10 Dalit women and girls report being raped daily in India. Yet, these figures may only scratch the surface, as many cases go unreported due to fear and societal pressure.

Media and judiciary: A deafening silence

Despite the staggering numbers, mainstream media remains largely silent on these crimes. The Supreme Court, too, has failed to take suo moto action, raising concerns about accountability. The question lingers: Why is there no outrage when it comes to the sexual violence faced by Dalit women? Why are caste-based political parties and the media not giving these heinous acts the attention they deserve?

The need for independent Ambedkarite leadership

Sudarshanam argues that the only way to ensure justice for SC/ST women is through independent Ambedkarite leadership. He points out that while dominant caste-led political parties may engage in performative activism, they fail to address the root causes of this violence. The call for an independent leadership that genuinely represents the interests of marginalized communities is becoming more urgent.

Rising crimes against marginalized communities

The NCRB’s report highlights a worrying trend: a total of 57,582 cases were registered for crimes against Scheduled Castes in 2022, a 13.1% increase from 2021. Crimes against Scheduled Tribes also saw a 14.3% increase, with 10,064 cases reported in 2022. These statistics underscore the systemic violence faced by marginalized communities in India.

A call to action

Sudarshanam’s message is clear: the Dalit community must unite and follow Dr. B R Ambedkar’s legacy to combat the violence and discrimination they face. He urges the community to become politically conscious and use their voting rights to challenge the status quo and demand justice for the victims of these atrocities.

In a country that prides itself on its cultural heritage and civilization, the increasing sexual violence against SC/ST women is a stain on its conscience. The silence of the media, judiciary, and political parties only amplifies the need for strong, independent leadership that prioritizes the rights and dignity of marginalized women.

The facts reflect the concerns raised by Betala Sudarshanam during a meeting on August 25, where he highlighted the ongoing struggles and the urgent need for justice and representation for Dalit women.