The tragic death of an Indian school girl highlights the serious consequences of “Eve-teasing,” a term often used to describe street harassment and assault against women.
But before moving ahead with the incident let’s discuss more about eve-teasing.
WHAT IS EVE-TEASING?
Eve teasing is a term primarily used in South Asian countries, including India, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Pakistan, to describe public sexual harassment or street harassment. It refers to unwanted sexual comments, gestures, or actions, typically directed at women and girls in public places such as streets, markets, public transportation, or other public spaces.
The term “eve” in “eve teasing” is derived from the name “Eve,” referring to the biblical figure, and “teasing” denotes the inappropriate or unwelcome behavior exhibited in this form of harassment. Eve teasing is a serious issue as it violates a person’s dignity, safety, and right to move freely in public spaces without fear of harassment. It contributes to a hostile environment for women and can have lasting psychological and emotional effects on the victims.
The Incident
In a seemingly ordinary CCTV footage, two Indian schoolgirls, dressed in their school uniforms—tunics, salwar bottoms, and scarves—are innocently cycling side by side on a sparsely populated road. However, the tranquility is abruptly disrupted when two men on a motorbike pass them, and one of the men snatches the scarf off one of the girls.
This sudden act destabilizes her balance, causing her bicycle to move rightward and collide with another motorbike approaching from behind. As the riders tumble onto the road due to the sudden incident, a tragic turn unfolds: a third motorbike, approaching from the opposite direction, fatally runs over the 17-year-old girl.
The girl’s father arrived at the scene within a few minutes after receiving a call from his niece, the other girl in the CCTV footage. Her father, Sabhajit Varma, said, “The moment I saw my daughter, I knew she was dead.”
Also, Sabhajit Varma added that some people gathered there and put her onto a tempo and rushed to the hospital, but the doctor said that she was “brought dead.” Her jaw had been shattered, and the primary cause of death was severe head injuries. “There were no parting words, no farewells,” he added, reflecting on the heartbreaking loss.
Mr. Varma’s wife passed away eight years prior, and after marrying off his two older daughters, he became the sole guardian of the youngest of his three daughters, a 17-year-old with a strong academic aptitude and aspirations to become a doctor, he shared.
He recounted that just two days prior to her death, she confided in him about the distressing situation: some boys had been persistently harassing her and fellow female students outside their school.
Furthermore, Mr. Varma’s niece and other students have since come forward to inform the police that these young men would frequently loiter around the school premises in the morning and evening, at times engaging in reckless bike races.
His daughter’s death has left Mr. Varma heartbroken and angry. “My daughter was murdered. The men who killed her must be hanged,” he says.
Actions Taken by Officials and police Following the Incident:
This incident of eve-teasing took place last month in Ambedkar Nagar district of the northern state of Uttar Pradesh.
Authorities have apprehended three suspects, with reports suggesting that at least one of them is a minor. A fourth individual is still being sought by the police. Since the harrowing incident, Mr. Varma shared that government officials, including a state minister, have visited him. However, he expressed disappointment, stating that he has not received any compensation.
Following the viral circulation of the incident’s footage on social media and its prominent coverage in the news, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath issued a stern warning to those who engage in street harassment against women. He emphasized that “Yamraj” – referring to the Hindu god of death – would be awaiting them at the next traffic crossing.
And within hours, police said they had shot and injured two of the suspects in their legs “as they tried to snatch our weapons and run away while being taken for their medical examination”. The third man, they added, had fractured his leg trying to run.
Families of Arrested Individuals Deny Allegations:
The families of the accused refute involvement, alleging police misconduct, while authorities assert an expedited legal process with an anticipated verdict within a month.
The tragic passing of the schoolgirl has brought attention to the pervasive problem of sexual harassment against women in public spaces. Women’s rights activists are raising concerns about the local press’s use of the phrase “Eve teasing” to describe the incident, deeming it “deeply problematic.” They highlight a recent acknowledgment by the Supreme Court, which advocated replacing the term with “street sexual harassment” for courtroom discourse.