The story of rape of a five-year-old girl by a male neighbor in New Delhi has greatly shocked the nation and opened a Pandora's Box, out of which the repugnant facts have risen to hold a mirror to Indian society. It is repulsive to the conscience of any sane and civilized society. The rape was a grim reminder of the routine abuse against lakhs of children across India. There is an urgent need to deal with crimes against children and women on a priority basis by strictly enforcing laws and handing out swift and harsh punishment to culprits who abuse children and women. We have enough laws but, unfortunately, they are not effective. The government of India should set an example by giving rapists exemplary punishment that would instill fear in the minds of those who think that they can get away with anything, including committing such a heinous crime. Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of the Nation, once said: “The day a women can walk freely on the roads at night, that day we can say that India has achieved independence”. Mir Gazanfar Ali Zaki Jeddah
