'Immunity to commit one murder': NCP (SP) leader's women's day demand from President over crime against females

NEW DELHI: The Nationalist Congress Party (SP) leader Rohini Khadse has made a unique demand on the occasion of women's day - immunity to commit one murder. The demand, however, comes in the context of rising crimes against women across the nation.
In a letter addressed to President Droupadi Murmu, Khadse begins with an apology and goes on to list out the reasons behind her demand.
Citing the World Population Review survey which ranked India as the most unsafe country for women in Asia, Khadse said, "In light of this, we, on behalf of all women, make a request—grant us permission for one murder. We seek to eliminate the mindset that enables atrocities, the mentality that fuels sexual violence, and the ineffective law enforcement system that fails to protect us."
She further cited examples of warriors who took up weapons to defend themselves and said, "Honorable President, when their kingdoms and people were in danger, Maharani Tarabai and Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Holkar took up swords to defend them. So why should we, in our fight for social reform, remain silent?"
"Our country is known as the land of Mahatma Buddha and Mahatma Gandhi, both great symbols of peace and non-violence. However, with due respect, I seek forgiveness while making this appeal, as the matter is of utmost importance…Today, women in the country are highly unsafe. Every passing day witnesses a rise in crimes against women. Just two days ago, in Mumbai, the former financial capital of the country, a 12-year-old girl was subjected to a horrific gang assault. Honorable President, a 12-year-old! Imagine the situation!" the letter written in Marathi said.
"Recently, we came across reports of the World Population Review survey, which highlights countries around the world that are unsafe for women. According to this survey, India is ranked as the most unsafe country for women in Asia. It mentions alarming concerns such as kidnappings, disappearances, domestic violence, and other grave issues," it added.

The National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) released last year, highlighted the alarming state of women's safety in India. The report documented 4,45,256 cases of crimes against women in 2022, equating to around 51 FIRs filed every hour. This reflects a significant rise compared to 4,28,278 cases in 2021 and 3,71,503 cases in 2020, underscoring the escalating crisis.