The safety of women in Gujarat has become a pressing concern as the state witnesses a disturbing surge in rape and gang-rape cases. Public outrage has intensified following recent incidents of violence, and criticism directed at Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi’s comments on extending garba festivities until 5 am.

In the past 15 days alone, six cases of rape and molestation have been reported across the state. These include the a murder of a 6-year-old girl by her school principal in Dahod, the molestation of a 5-year-old by a drunk man in Surendranagar, and the gang-rape of a teenager in Vadodara.

Minister of State for Home Harsh Sanghavi faced backlash for his statement suggesting that if we dont play garba in Gujarat then, ‘where will we play, in  Pakistan?’ This comment was widely criticised as insensitive and dismissive of the serious issues facing the state.

Isudan Gadhvi, AAP state chief, had also cristised the statement of the home minister saying that where should the daughters of the state go to get justice? To Pakistan? 

Opposition leaders and concerned citizens have expressed their deep concern over the deteriorating law and order situation. Amit Chavda, the Leader of Opposition, tweeted that the daughters of Gujarat are not safe and demanded the resignation of the leaders who are not able to protect the daughters of the state criticising the Home minister’s statement.

The rising crime rates have not been limited to women alone. On the first day of Navratri, a 16-year-old boy was stabbed during a brawl at a tea stall in Ahmedabad. The incident occurred around 1.30 am, highlighting the growing sense of insecurity among the state’s residents.

The recent incidents have raised serious questions about the safety of people in Gujarat.

Also read :

After Harsh Sanghavi’s all-night garba… Ahmedabad police says loudspeaker only till 12 midnight