Special Correspondent
Bharatpur, Rajasthan: Rajasthan Governor Haribhau Bagde on Wednesday expressed strong views on combating crimes against women, stating that rapists should be castrated to deter such heinous acts. He emphasized that only stringent measures, including physical punishment, can prevent sexual violence.
Speaking at an oath-taking ceremony of the Bharatpur District Bar Association, Governor Bagde asserted, “If a woman is being harassed, the perpetrator must be caught immediately. You are human beings, and with the help of 2-4 others nearby, confront the offender, restrain him, and even thrash him if needed. Unless society adopts this mindset, such crimes will not stop.”
Invoking history, Bagde cited an incident from the era of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in Maharashtra. “A village Patil (headman) had raped a young woman. When the crime came to light, Shivaji Maharaj ordered, ‘Do not kill the perpetrator, but break his hands and legs on the spot.’ The Patil lived the rest of his life in that crippled state,” he recounted, underscoring the need for harsh punitive action.
The Governor questioned the effectiveness of current laws, noting, “Even though the death penalty is mandated for raping children below 12 years, such crimes continue unabated. Every day, courts hear such cases. This shows criminals have no fear of the law.” He urged introspection, asking, “What must be done to instill fear of the law? Why do these incidents persist despite strict legal provisions? This is a matter for serious deliberation.”
Bagde’s remarks come amid rising concerns over sexual violence in India and debates around legal reforms to ensure swift justice and deterrence. His call for castration mirrors demands from activists and sections of society advocating for zero tolerance toward rape.
