BENGALURU: National Commission for Women (NCW) chairperson Lalitha Kumaramangalam on Tuesday said that the state government and the police have failed in handling the two sexual harassment cases against Raghaveshwara Bharathi Swamiji of Ramachandrapura Mutt.
“Looking at the current developments in Karnataka, I wonder if the state is safe for women,” she told reporters at the Kumara Krupa guest house here.
She said police negligence and lack of political will are seen in this case. “NCW will consider intervening in this case directly, if required,” she said.
This is Lalitha’s second visit to the city in connection with the case.
“The last time I met top police officers... they had assured of filing a chargesheet at the earliest. But nothing has been done till now... the victims have also told me that they are afraid for their lives as the accused is out on bail and even giving sermons inciting his followers against the victims,” she said.
“Why should filing of a chargesheet (against the seer) take so long? Even if the police are making a watertight case, why do they need an entire year?” she asked.
On Two-finger Test
Speaking about the two finger test that was carried out on the victims, Lalitha said, “The Supreme Court has ruled that the two finger test be banned ... both the victims told me that they were subjected to it. It is just like raping the victims for the second time.”
The NCW chief said she will be writing to the Home Department and the police recommending action against those who conducted the two finger test on both the victims in this case.
There was a need to create awareness among officials and government hospital staffers about banning the test, she said.
Speaking about the complaints received by the NCW, she said, “The highest number of cases are filed from UP, Haryana and Bihar. We receive about 200 complaints on an average per day and 60 per cent of them are related to domestic violence.”