It is crucial for victims of sexual harassment to report such incidents to the police to ensure the perpetrators are held accountable and to prevent others from facing similar ordeals
A disturbing incident near Astha Apartment, Rehabari, has once again raised questions about the safety of women in Guwahati. On November 27, 2024, a young woman, on her way to tuition, was subjected to sexual harassment outside a tailor shop named Popular Tailor, located near Arya Hospital. A man standing near the shop allegedly made lewd sexual noises towards her at approximately 3:15 PM. When the woman turned around, the perpetrator fled the scene.
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According to the victim's friend, who spoke to GPlus on her behalf, this was not an isolated occurrence. “He often plays abusive music in broad daylight. Women in the area are afraid to step out of their homes.”
This incident is yet another reminder of the frequent harassment faced by women in the city. Many such cases go unreported due to social stigma, lack of knowledge about legal procedures, or fear of entanglement in lengthy judicial processes.
Rehabari is not the only area in Guwahati where such incidents have occurred. In October 2024, two teenage girls in the Beltola area reported being followed by a group of men on motorbikes who catcalled them. The victims stated that the men made vulgar gestures and circled them repeatedly before speeding away. Similarly, in Fancy Bazaar, a woman alleged that a shopkeeper regularly made inappropriate comments when she visited to buy groceries.
Speaking to GPlus, a city police official shared, “Often, such cases go unreported as victims fear the repercussions. Parents of minors, in particular, prefer to handle the situation internally to avoid the trauma of legal procedures.”
It is crucial to report such incidents to ensure the perpetrators are held accountable and to prevent others from facing similar ordeals. Victims of sexual harassment can file a complaint at the nearest police station or through an online portal. In Guwahati, the Assam Police's online complaint system provides a streamlined process for reporting crimes.
Here’s how victims can file a complaint:
1. Visit the Police Station: Approach the jurisdictional police station and narrate the incident to the officer-in-charge. Ensure that the details are recorded accurately in the FIR (First Information Report).
2. Online Reporting: Use the Assam Police online grievance portal to file a complaint. This method allows for anonymity in certain cases.
3. Emergency Numbers: Victims can call the women's helpline number 181 or the police emergency number 100 for immediate assistance.
Under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, (BNS) several provisions address harassment and sexual offences:
- Section 354: Assault or criminal force to outrage the modesty of a woman.
- Section 509: Word, gesture, or act intended to insult the modesty of a woman.
- Section 294: Obscene acts or words in public.
For minor victims or if the accused is a minor, the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012, comes into play. This act mandates stringent punishment for sexual offences against children and provides for child-friendly procedures during investigation and trial.
While the legal provisions are robust, societal stigma often discourages women from reporting such cases. NGOs and support groups play a pivotal role in empowering women to come forward. Organisations like Sakhi, based in Guwahati, offer counselling and legal aid to victims of harassment and abuse.
A counsellor at Sakhi explained, “Victims often feel alone and hesitant to speak up. We encourage them to report the incident and provide support throughout the process. Awareness is key to combating this issue.”
When minors are involved, the situation becomes even more complex. Parents play a significant role in deciding whether to pursue legal action, balancing the child’s safety with the potential trauma of legal proceedings. However, the law provides clear guidelines for cases involving minors:
1. Filing Under POCSO: Any incident involving a minor victim must be reported under the POCSO Act.
2. Child Welfare Committees (CWCs): CWCs ensure the child’s best interests are prioritised during investigations.
3. Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act: If the accused is a minor, this act governs the proceedings, focusing on reform rather than punishment.
While legal provisions exist, their effectiveness relies on implementation and community vigilance. Several cities in India have adopted community policing initiatives to address issues like street harassment. Guwahati could benefit from similar measures, encouraging citizens to report suspicious behaviour and supporting law enforcement efforts.
A resident of Rehabari commented anonymously, “We need more patrols and CCTV cameras in our area. It’s not just about catching the offenders but also deterring them in the first place.”
Education is another crucial factor in tackling harassment. Schools and colleges should integrate awareness programmes into their curriculum, teaching students about consent, respect, and the importance of reporting inappropriate behaviour. Community workshops can also help dispel myths about the legal system and encourage victims to seek justice.
The incident near Popular Tailor is a wake-up call for both authorities and citizens. It underscores the need for proactive measures to ensure public spaces are safe for everyone. Authorities must increase patrols in vulnerable areas, install surveillance cameras, and take swift action against offenders.
For the victims, knowing their rights and the legal resources available to them is the first step towards reclaiming their sense of security. As a city, Guwahati must unite to foster an environment where women feel safe and empowered to report crimes without fear or hesitation.
While the battle against harassment is far from over, every small step counts. From filing complaints to raising awareness, collective action can make a difference. As a society, we must stand with the victims, ensuring their voices are heard and their rights are upheld.
Until then, incidents like the one near Popular Tailor will continue to haunt public spaces, reminding us of the urgent need for change.
