Justice cannot be allowed to be caste-based

The recent macabre gang rape and murder of a young Dalit woman in Hathras in India's Uttar Pradesh's state has thrown up more questions than answers! The four accused belonging to the upper caste have been arrested but the only incriminating evidence has been destroyed. The body of the deceased was hastily cremated arousing shock and disbelief across the country. The high caste perpetrators of such crimes are known to have the implicit support of the local police and politicians and hence go scot free.

The leader of the nation known to play to the galleries with his lofty slogans and rhetorics is silent on the issue. His government has not implemented any measures to safeguard and protect the safety of Dalit women. The Indian media will not debate these atrocities, but will help protect the perpetrators by bringing spin doctors from the ruling party to cast aspersions on the victim and their families. As an Indian, I am ashamed how our lower caste fellow humans are being constantly victimised. I fear if the situation prevails, the wrath of the people would deteriorate into civil disobedience. - Gopal Nair