Young women are subjected to unnatural cruelty on a regular basis and when a highly vocal nation stands ‘mute’, what is there to expect?
The seemingly peaceful town of Manipal was shattered on Thursday following the alleged rape of a medical student.
This incident has many parents from the city, whose children study in the university town, distressed. In fact, many parents are reconsidering their decision of sending their children away for education.
“It is shocking to hear that something like this happened in Manipal where my daughter studies. I am now more concerned about her safety and hope that the institute will tighten security especially for those living outside in apartments,” said Anand K Nair, leadership trainer and a resident of Kasturinagar.
However, B Srivathsan, whose daughter will be moving into an apartment this year said that such a thing could happen to anyone and the only way out is that you take care of yourself.
“It is terrible but I don’t have any second thoughts about sending my daughter back. She just has to be more careful now,” she said.
The incident in the region, especially targeting women, has left some students reviewing their decision to join institutes in the University town.
“I was indeed shocked when my daughter called and said, ‘Mom, I want to feel safe and I am not feeling secure now,” says Soundryta V, an accountant with a government firm, whose child is studying in Manipal.
This has also left parents angry and most of them are pointing fingers at the University.
Musthafa K P, senior consultant with a multi-national firm and whose daughter studies in Manipal Institute of Communication said, “This incident definitely shows a lapse in security on the university’s part. If they have provisions for libraries to stay open till late, they should also ensure that adequate security is provided as well. Also, the students should be careful and move around in groups.”
According to Suneet Khosla, businessman and resident of Narayanpura, in a time like today, when moral values seem to be at an all time low, the university should do everything they can to ensure the safety of their students.
“I noticed a lot of roads in and around the campus that seem desolate so they should increase security there,” he said and further added that after this incident, he won’t let his daughter shift out of the hostel.
While some parents are comprehending the incident with a pinch of salt, others are spending sleepless nights. Cauvery, a banker and a resident of Richards Town, said that she is extremely concerned about her daughter’s safety.
“My daughter studies in MIT. I have already told her to take care and exercise caution every time she’s out. She doesn’t stay in the hostel but always ensures that she’s back early or at least she is with a group of people in case she’s late. Apparently, there have been issues with auto drivers in the past. However, I don’t think boycotting autos is a solution. Instead, the police, college authorities and parents can come together to provide a feasible solution. The college authorities need to step up and better the safety measures in Manipal,” she said.
Parents also claimed that despite several complaints and suggestions, streetlights on the road where the incident took place were not installed.
“For the past two or three years, we have been requesting the authorities to ensure that the lane is safe for students, especially girls at night. I am very worried for my daughter’s safety,” said Kanika Rao whose daughter studies in MIT.
(With inputs from Sharanya Khosla)