In the past few weeks, newspaper headlines have screamed about the brutal rapes of two young girls, one of whom was also murdered. Protests, marches, and vigils for justice have sprung almost everywhere. Many are justifiably angry at these particular cases involving religious freedom and prejudices, legal maneuvering, political intrigue and everything but the kitchen sink thrown in.

We all know that these cases are just the tip of the iceberg. Rape, politically motivated or otherwise is all too common in India.

The victims deserves justice and justice must be served in the interests of the victims, their families and in fact the entire nation. To let the rapists and murders go free would not just be a travesty of justice but it would also be a signal of the wrong kind to the evil among us who want to destroy the spiritual and social fabric of our nation as we know it. It can lead to a state of impunity where no child or even adult female would be safe.

The culprits have been called many names, the most common being ‘beasts’ and ‘monsters’. Let’s take a step back and ponder on what is the real difference between these “beasts” or “monsters” and many others who have continued to behave with impunity towards the weak and the defenseless?

Isn’t it a fact that many others continue to live their lives as if nothing matters and that their own crimes are unknown and therefore their secrets are safe? And knowing they are safe don’t they continue to get away from the consequences of the manner in which they treat women and girls?

Secondly, what’s the real difference between these “beasts” and monsters” and anyone who contributes in any way to the idea that women and girls are fair game? That they are mere sex objects to be used and dumped aside when our physical needs are met? Or even if we are not so blatant, do we treat women with respect as those who have been created by God and for whom He shed His blood on the cross? Do our own cultural norms and customs directly or indirectly demean women because they are weak and defenseless?

Thirdly, let’s remember the words of preacher and martyr, John Bradford who lived in the 16th century. On seeing some criminals being led to the scaffold, he is said to have uttered “There, but for the grace of God, goes John Bradford”. Do we see ourselves and the state of our own corrupt and wicked hearts when we see the accused and as we cry out for justice?

So, let’s remember three things here;

1. No matter how rich and powerful we are, one day we will meet our Maker and stand before his seat of judgement. So, let’s be careful of our own actions and attitudes towards women and girls.
2. Let’s examine ourselves and see if there are things we do and the way we think that subtly imprisons women and girls in invisible cages.
3. It’s also a good time to look at the man in the mirror and ask ourselves if we are in reality not very different from the evil perpetrators of this heinous crime.

Finally, it is only from our own sense of brokenness and the realization of our own propensity to evil that we can seek justice – not revenge, knowing that at the end of the day, we too are sinners who have found the grace of God and that Jesus died not only for the victims but the perpetrators as well. And while that does not stop us from seeking justice, it gives us the framework or the foundation from which we see seek justice meted out to the perpetrators.

ODB Team India
April 2018