Joint statement from Farhan Akhtar, MARD, Poonam Muttreja, Population Foundation of India & Feroz Abbas Khan 

on comments by ex-DGP HT Sangliana

“The comments by former Karnataka Director General of Police HT Sangliana at a recent event are an eye-opener and show just how far we still need to go to create an equal society. Mr. Sangliana’s comments on Jyoti Singh (‘Nirbhaya’) and her mother’s appearance were highly insensitive and inappropriate. Even worse, he followed up with shocking advice on how women should react to rape, which was to surrender in the moment to escape being killed. Mr. Sangliana’s opinion represents a symptom that plagues Indian society – a culture of objectifying women and making them responsible for not being raped and killed.

Since the 2012 gang-rape of Jyoti Singh we may have made some progress in reporting these crimes and calling out callous remarks on a woman’s clothes and lifestyle. However, funds for women’s safety remain unutilized and are even reduced. And such statements and views highlight the need for each member of society to take responsibility and come out strongly in support of ending violence against women and girls. Upon being called out for his statements, Mr. Sangliana has shown no repentance. Jyoti’s family and all survivors of violence deserve an apology from him. Bas Ab Bahut Ho Gaya – Enough is Enough.”