A brutal gang rape in India has reignited the trauma of the 2012 Delhi horror, prompting British women's rights groups to demand urgent action. The incident, which occurred in the city of Hyderabad, involved a 27-year-old woman who was attacked by multiple assailants. The assault bears chilling similarities to the 2012 case that shook the world and led to widespread protests and legal reforms.
The victim, a physiotherapy intern, was dragged into a secluded area and subjected to a prolonged assault. She is currently hospitalised with severe injuries. Four suspects have been arrested, but reports indicate that the investigation is encountering delays.
British women's rights groups, including the Fawcett Society and Women's Aid, have issued a joint statement condemning the attack and calling for the Indian government to prioritise the safety of women. 'The recurrence of such violence demands systemic change,' the statement read. 'We urge the Indian authorities to ensure swift justice and implement measures to prevent future atrocities.'
The 2012 Delhi case, where a 23-year-old student was gang raped and fatally assaulted on a moving bus, galvanised global outrage. It prompted India to revise its rape laws, introducing stricter punishments including the death penalty for repeat offenders. Despite these changes, data released this year by the National Crime Records Bureau shows reported cases of rape increased by 15% in 2023, with the conviction rate remaining below 30%.
The response from Indian authorities has been mixed. Home Minister Amit Shah described the incident as 'deeply distressing' and promised a thorough investigation. However, critics point to the backlog of over 200,000 pending rape cases in Indian courts and the continued prevalence of victim-blaming attitudes among law enforcement.
The attack has also reignited debates about the effectiveness of India's fast-track courts, established after the 2012 protests to expedite sexual assault cases. In a free nation, the promise of justice for women remains a distant hope for too many.
As the world watches, the demand for change grows louder. British groups have announced plans for vigils outside Indian High Commission offices in London, Edinburgh, and Cardiff. The shadow of 2012 looms large, and the question remains: how many more horrors must occur before meaningful action is taken?
