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In a deeply disturbing incident from Chhattisgarh’s Koriya district, a 38-year-old man, who was released on parole while serving a life sentence for the rape of a minor, has been re-arrested for allegedly raping his own 11-year-old daughter and 12-year-old niece. This horrific act not only highlights the failures of our criminal justice system but also raises urgent questions about the safety of children in our society.
The accused was initially convicted in 2022 for raping a 16-year-old relative. Despite his history of violent sexual offenses, he was granted parole, which allowed him to return home. This decision is shocking and raises serious concerns about the criteria used to determine parole eligibility for individuals with such grave criminal backgrounds. How can we trust a system that endangers the very lives it is supposed to protect? The events that unfolded upon his return home are a stark reminder of the risks associated with releasing convicted rapists back into society without adequate monitoring or support systems in place.
On the night of October 19, shortly after arriving home, he allegedly raped his daughter. Just two days later, he lured his niece into a forest under false pretenses and assaulted her as well. The fear instilled in these young girls by their own father and uncle is unimaginable. They were threatened with dire consequences if they spoke out, which speaks volumes about the psychological manipulation often employed by abusers. It took immense courage for them to eventually confide in each other and report the atrocities to the police.
The police response to this case has been commendable. They acted swiftly to apprehend the accused after he fled upon learning that his victims had reported him. However, this incident underscores a systemic failure: how can someone with such a violent history be allowed out on parole in the first place? The laws surrounding parole must be revisited and strengthened to prevent future tragedies. We must advocate for stricter regulations that consider the nature of past crimes when determining parole eligibility.
Moreover, this case sheds light on a broader societal issue: the pervasive culture of silence surrounding sexual abuse in India. Many victims remain voiceless due to fear of retribution or societal stigma. The bravery shown by these young girls is commendable and should serve as an inspiration for others who may be suffering in silence. It is crucial that we foster an environment where victims feel safe to speak out and seek help.
As we reflect on this tragic event, let us not only seek justice for these young victims but also commit ourselves to creating a safer society for all children. We must demand accountability from our justice system and work towards comprehensive reforms that prioritize the protection of our most vulnerable citizens. Only then can we hope to prevent such heinous acts from occurring again.