Massive Gathering of Women to Protest Police Negligence in Rape Cases

On February 22, Guria organized a massive awareness rally against sex trafficking, child prostitution, and rape with almost 15,000 women from the districts of Varanasi, Azamghar, Mau, Ghazipur, and Jaunpur. These women traveled to Varanasi in spite of adverse weather conditions- pouring rain, ankle-deep mud, and a unseasonable chill. 200 victims and their families also attended the event and presented their case studies before this mass gathering. The rally was primarily focused on protesting the severe negligence of police in the filing and handling of rape, trafficking, and child prostitution cases. 

                                                                              

All too often, victims are turned away from police stations when they attempt to file a First Information Report (FIR) about the crimes committed against them. Even if the FIR is filed, police often register the crime under the wrong sections of the law, allowing criminals to escape trial or receive much too favorable judgments in court.  Cases can also get stuck in proceedings for years at a time.

The next day, February 23, Guria released a report with 100 separate instances of police negligence. This report was sent to the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh with the message that if the state does not implement change, this movement will be felt in every village in all 5 districts where Guria works.

The protest was a true example of the strength of the movement of women who are willing and eager to actively advocate for their rights and fair treatment that Guria has helped build.

For some articles about the protest published in important news sources such as The Times of India, please visit our Media and More page.