The rape cases of 2012 & 2018 that shook the nation

The proximate political failures in both these cases are greater than in 2012, and require a more robust political response

A silent prime minister; a horrific rape; protests at India Gate; arrogant press conferences; outraged social media —you’d think we were back in UPA-II. You’re tempted to throw your hands up in the air and say: The more things change, the more they stay the same. 

But look a little deeper at the causes and the reaction to these two incidents of rape, in Unnao and in Kathua, and some similarities and differences to what happened in Delhi in 2012 emerge.

First, one basic point: Violence against women in India, and particularly in north India, is a systemic and socio-cultural crisis. It