A total of 59 women were raped and sexually harassed on public transport across the country in 2019. There were 52 incidents of women repression on public modes of transportation — 44 on the roads and four each on rail and river ways, the media reported quoting the survey report of Jatri Kalyan Samity on Sunday. Of the incidents, there were 16 rapes, 12 gang rapes, nine attempted rapes and 15 sexual harassment cases. It said a total of 44 cases were filed and 93 accused were arrested. Meanwhile, the trial of Rupa Khatun murder case ended within a short period in 2019 amid countrywide protests. Four transport workers were sentenced to death and one was given seven years’ imprisonment for committing the crime. Apart from rape, the women are usually subject to sexual assault, harassment and repression while using public modes of transport. In some cases, they are not only harassed by transport workers but also by other males travelling with them.
The real picture is worse, said the leaders of the organisation. Many of these victims do not see justice as they do not file cases fearing social stigma and a lengthy legal process. In this context, the platform also placed eight recommendations to stop such crimes, including placing CCTV cameras inside public modes of transport. Besides, making mandatory wearing uniforms and nameplates for bus drivers, helpers and supervisors and prepare data-base with appointment letters, national identity cards and photos of driver, helpers and supervisors. Side by side, hanging the transport company’s hotline numbers, phone numbers and vehicle numbers in visible locations should be compulsory and confirm reserve seats for women near the exits.
We’re disturbed hearing that incidents of rape and harassment have been increasing day by day despite different preventive measures taken by the government. It makes one thing clear that – whatever measures have been taken to resist the criminals, the authorities concerned are not sincere enough to ensure safety of the women
