Justice for Bilkis at last
This is in reference to the editorial ‘SC’s landmark verdict in Bilkis Bano case’ dated January 9, by upending the Gujarat government’s controversial order granting remission to 11 convicts in the Bilkis Bano gangrape case of 2002, the apex court has sent a right message to the Central and State governments that they cannot make a mockery of justice with autocratic decisions motivated mainly by political considerations in total disregard for the law of land.
The court cancelled the remission on legal and technical grounds as it found the Gujarat government, where the offence took place, was not a competent authority to take the decision on remission. According to SC, it was the Government of Maharashtra who could decide the matter as the trial was shifted there. The ruling gives people a chance to reassure themselves that the fortitude of one person still has space in this country to fight and take it to its logical end. In the interest of justice, remission policies of each State must be re-drafted and be made available to the public for information. This can clip the State government’s power to release dangerous criminals.
Gregory Fernandes, Mumbai
Coercive diplomacy is counterproductive
For the past 10 years India has been flexing diplomatic muscle to reinforce its position as a self-appointed superpower in the Indian Ocean region. This has led us to alienating all our erstwhile friendly neighbours namely Nepal, Bhutan and Sri Lanka; they have all been embraced by a gleeful China which is now the de facto superpower in the region and possibly the world. Maldives is the latest country to join the China club courtesy sustained animosity shown towards it on social media by bots triggered by derogatory comments made by some Maldivian ministers towards India post Modi’s sharing pictures of his Lakshadweep trip.
It is not surprising to note that the government did nothing to rein in vitriolic tweets, posts and comments on social media by supposed celebrities, film actors, media mavens and sportspersons calling for a boycott of the tiny nation. These very same people who rush to Maldives for a quick break frequently have not uttered a word in support of the latest SC judgment revoking remission of sentence handed out to the rapists of Bilkis Bano, Chinese incursions or the Manipur imbroglio. It is very clear that the saffron dispensation is orchestrating this outrage to foolishly project itself as the local ‘basti ka dada’. The Maldivian government has already suspended the errant ministers but the hate and toxicity from the Indians continue.
The Maldivian president on a state visit to China has now asked the latter to send more tourists to the islands amidst a spate of cancellations by jingoistic Indian travellers. He has also termed China as one of its closest allies and signed an agreement to develop a $50 million integrated tourism zone in the islands. All that fire and fury directed by the Bharat bhakts towards its benign neighbour has been counterproductive, Maldives is now firmly in the Chinese sphere of influence. The geopolitical fallout of this coercive diplomacy would entail more headaches for India; the Chinese have one more base to launch attacks against India, literally and figuratively.
Vinay Dwivedi, Benaulim
Active citizenry can help solve crimes
The mother, who allegedly killed her four-year-old son, was reportedly arrested while fleeing with his body stuffed in a bag. The discovery of the most heinous crime would not have been possible but for the alertness of the room boy, assistance of the security guards and the taxi driver and more importantly the Calangute Police who acted swiftly and intercepted the accused in Chitradurga.
It would be in the fitness of things for the State government to felicitate all these real-life heroes at an appropriate forum. Be that as it may, the entire episode brings to the fore the importance of an active citizenry to solve crimes and more importantly to prevent a crime from taking place. The information provided by citizens is crucial for solving a crime. In recent times, the benefits of cooperation between citizens and police are increasingly being exploited. The police cannot be present at all places at all times. Hence, citizens become the ‘eyes’ and ‘ears’ of the police force.
The world of digitalisation has given rise to many new opportunities for citizens to become active participants in solving crimes. Social media offers the possibility to connect with large crowds and improve communication. With the help of many attentive citizens, it is far more likely that criminal activities will be perceived and hence can be nipped in the bud.
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco
Shocking crimes in Goa!
The crime rate in Goa is increasing in leaps and bounds. Just a few days back, Goa had witnessed approximately three murders. Currently, the news pertaining to the brutal murder of a four-year-old child, committed by his own mother, in the hotel room at Sinquerim, North Goa sent shock waves across Goa. Moreover, she was proceeding to Bangalore in a taxi with the body of her child with some frantic idea. Subsequently, it was the timely response from the hotel staff and authorities concerned that led to the arrest of the accused mother, before she was instrumental in disposing of the body. Along with the crime rates, we have fatal or life threatening accidents on Goan roads. Simultaneously, the police patrolling should be increased in certain areas thus maintaining proper control on the tourists, especially when they are in an inebriated condition. It’s in such a state of mind that crimes do take place. The fight starts over some petty issues or suppressed rivalries, thus leading to ‘involuntarily manslaughter’.
At the same time, the tourists too need to adhere to the authorities concerned and maintain discipline while vacationing in Goa. Equally, the citizens also have their part to do, if they notice any untoward situation in their surroundings, then, to be quick enough to alert the police. However, an action implemented with a quicker presence of mind, can save a lot of disaster.
In a lighter vein, tourists should also be educated about their behaviour once they are in Goa, like their approach towards sea, Goan roads, drink and drive, etc. This can be implemented by placing notice boards with ‘Dos’ and ‘Don’ts’ at frequently visited touristic places, as is the case across other States in India. It would be better if the bars/restaurants/ pubs/clubs have the option of providing drivers, in case their guests are unable to drive, due to excessive alcohol consumption. Ultimately, it will go a long way in safeguarding the general public from the prevailing atrocities in Goa.
Joseph Savio Desouza, Candolim
